Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses hybrid EDC authority to revive housing incentives and small‑business incentives
Summary
Council members discussed pursuing a hybrid Type A/Type B Economic Development Corporation authority or placing a ballot proposition to reauthorize housing and small‑business incentives and to use existing EDC funds to support qualified applicants who previously were in a wait pool.
Council member Lewis asked on July 15 that the city pursue a hybrid program with the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to reinstate housing incentives and add incentives for small businesses. He said Legacy (program administrator) had more than 100 qualified applicants waiting when a prior housing program ended and that leftover EDC funds could be used to help those qualified families.
Lewis proposed either putting a ballot measure on the November ballot or using a hybrid approach under recent state legislation that lets a Type A EDC exercise Type B powers after voter approval of objectives. Council member Doucette and others urged clarity about program eligibility and noted federal financing requirements that applicants must satisfy for housing programs.
City staff said the leftover EDC funds remain available and that the EDC director had intended to place language on a ballot but the earlier submission contained wording problems. The city manager said staff could either amend ballot language or pursue the hybrid A/B structure and recommended legal review; council member Everfield asked the city attorney to explain the statute in executive session before any binding action.
Council members discussed public hearings; Lewis requested two public hearings (daytime and evening) before placing any measure before voters. Council agreed the matter requires further drafting of ballot language and legal review; no vote was taken at the July 15 meeting.
