The Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency discussed a proposed engagement with Urbanomics on June 12, 2025, and several members raised questions about the consultant’s prior work in the city, potential bias and the proposed scope and fees.

A member noted Urbanomics had previously worked on elements related to the Atlantic development project and asked whether that prior engagement could create a conflict. Agency leaders said they would be able to review Urbanomics’ work and methodology step by step and expressed less concern after reviewing the materials. One member said the firm’s methodology "makes sense" and that the agency would be able to vet deliverables.

Board members also flagged a discrepancy in the proposal’s fee table: a line-item described as a "fiscal analysis of new pilots approved" is listed at $5,000 under a four-task option but at $20,000 under a three-task option. Members asked for clarification on the apparent cost difference and noted some overlap with demographic work the school district has already done; several trustees said redundancy in verification could still be useful.

The transcript records substantial discussion about the Uniform Tax Exemption Policy (UTEP) and the agency’s desire to refine its policies and multipliers; trustees said they have adjusted the UTEP to include financial penalties when a developer exceeds certain child-count projections. Speakers emphasized institutional reforms and continuous revisions to rules and bylaws.

The meeting record does not contain a clear roll-call vote approving Urbanomics’ contract; members discussed returning with additional clarifications and documentation and asked staff to obtain further detail about prior projects and the fee structure before final authorization.

Members also stated for the record that, at the time of the meeting, no active development applications were pending before the IDA.