Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears presentation on third amended downtown TIF plan; public hearing set for Dec. 2
Summary
Economic development staff presented the third amended downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project plan and opened a public hearing; the amendment would create two new increment districts (TIF A and TIF B), expand the project area to include parks and schools, and earmark 10% of new increment to the city's STEM plan.
Economic development staff presented the third amended Lawton Downtown Economic Development Project Plan and opened the first of two required public hearings, with the council scheduling a second public hearing for Dec. 2.
Rich Regalski, director of the Lawton Economic Development Authority, and Lisa Harden of the Center for Economic Development Law described the amendment as a major change under the Oklahoma Local Development Act because it proposes two new increment districts (temporarily labeled TIF A and TIF B). Harden said TIF A is intended to be the 10‑acre site for a proposed full-service grocery store and fuel station; the presenters said the transaction is under contract and, if on track, could close in early 2026 with $16–20 million in private investment. The amendment would also expand the project area to include Elmer Thomas Park, Central Middle School and Lawton High School so that future increment revenues could be used for public facilities and school improvements.
Harden described four principal changes: creation of two new increment districts, expansion of the project area, increased public-improvement cost and strengthened ability to pay project costs and debt service, and a 10% allocation of increment revenues from the two new districts to support the city's STEM strategic plan. Harden provided revenue projections for a full build-out of TIF A of roughly $200,000–$300,000 annually in ad valorem increments and $200,000–$400,000 in sales tax increments; TIF B was projected at roughly $100,000–$200,000 in both categories.
The mayor opened the public hearing and invited comments. Joshua Jenkins, a servicemember from Fort Sill, asked whether the plan restricts what businesses can locate in the district (specifically asking about Chipotle). Staff replied there is an overlay district intended to encourage high-quality development but no categorical ban on particular retailers.
Council did not act on the amendment at this meeting; per the Local Development Act the next step is a second public hearing (set for Dec. 2), after which council may consider approval. The presenters said the review committee and planning commission had unanimously recommended the plan before council.
