Commission renews Catalyst industrial incentive program for three years

The Lawrence City Commission voted 4-0 on June 3 to authorize a three-year extension of the Catalyst industrial development incentive program, which offers a predictable package of development incentives for qualifying newbuild and expansion projects on industrially zoned land.

Brandon Maguire, who presented the item for city economic development staff, explained the program was first authorized in 2017 and that a recent authorization had lapsed. He said the program has helped activate publicly owned industrial properties including Lawrence Venture Park and East Hills Business Park and has incentivized expansions by local companies.

Maguire said the program’s structure has encouraged investment and that, as earlier projects complete their abatement periods, the city will see full property tax collections being added to the tax base. He noted that industrial property is taxed at a higher effective rate than residential, which amplifies the fiscal benefit when industrial parcels come onto the tax rolls.

John Martin, a resident, asked for more financial detail in the packet — implementation cost, opportunity cost and return on investment — and said those items should be provided when authorizing tax incentives. Steve Kelly, speaking for the Lawrence Chamber and EDC, supported renewal and said Catalyst has generated more than $70 million in capital investment tied to participating projects.

Commissioners said the program provides predictability that helps with business recruitment and expansions and agreed to the three‑year extension to July 1, 2028. Staff said they will return with additional reporting and that the expiration date can be revisited when the commission wishes to reconsider program parameters.