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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-015-02/05/1991-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT RESOLUTION 91- 15 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AFFIRMING THE CITY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY WHEREAS, the City Council believes that it is in the best interests of the City that the Economic Development Policy of the City be clarified by the adoption of a brief Economic Development Statement for the City; and WHEREAS, the Council believes that the economic development strategy of the City is best characterized as a partnership among the public and private sectors and the citizens of the City; and WHEREAS, the Council believes that the attached "Economic Development Statement" represents an accurate affirmation of the policy of the City with respect to economic development. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that the Summary Statement of the Economic Development Policy of the City of Fort Collins attached hereto be, and hereby is affirmed. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins held this 5th day of February, A.D. 1991 . v Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk ECONOMIC DEVELUM NT IN THE CITY OF EORT COGI INS The methods by which communities address economic development vary widely. In some instances the responsibility for leading a community's economic development effort falls to a single entity, whether it be local or regional, public or private. There are many models across the country ranging from a government funded and directed program to a privatel} sponsored program with little or no municipal involvement. In Fort Collins, economic development can be characterized as a partnership among the public and private sectors, and the citizens of Fort Collins. This partnership is based upon a continuum of services to existing and prospective business in which the City facilitates the process and procedures required for site development, provides data and demographic information, invests in municipal infrastructure, and considers other initiatives on a case-by- case basis. The private sector, as represented by Fort Collins, Inc., and the Chamber of Commerce, assumes primary responsibility for the attraction and retention of the business or industry. This may include marketing and promotion of the community, outreach to existing business, and assistance in arranging project financing. This effort is supported directly and indirectly through the work of various outside entities identified below. The following outlines the respective roles and responsibilities as they currently exist. Role of City of Fort Collins The view held by the City of Fort Collins is that whether they are considering expansion or relocation, businesses are most concerned and interested in the community's overall quality of life. Those in the private sector responsible for corporate site selection most often cite the quality of both our primary and secondary schools, the skill of our work force, the consistent quality of municipal services, and perhaps in many ways above all, the state of our natural environment. These are values to which the City Council and the citizens are deeply committed and serves as the cornerstone of the City's economic development effort. The City's primary role in economic development focuses on those areas which directly involve City process and procedure. The City's economic development program is based on City Council Resolution 87-49 and subsequent Ordinances in which Council adopted certain goals, policies, and programs related to economic development and economic opportunity., In general terms, the goal of the City of Fort Collins is to encourage and support economic development and economic opportunities which provide primary employment, increase private investment within the community and improve the quality of life for Fort Collins residents. I Resolution 87-49 of the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopting the goals and Policies related to Economic Development and Economic Opportunities in Fort Collins. Ordinance No. 91-1989 adopting the Industrial Development Incentive Program (street oversizing fee waiver) for basic industry. Ordinance No. 44-I990 relating to the waiver of development fees for basic industry for the purpose of Economic Development (expanded program). Achievement of these goals is pursued through a series of policies adopted by City Council and outlined in the above referenced resolution. Among these are the following: ' Promotion of the City as a good place to live and work. ' Emphasis on comprehensive, quality municipal services as the City's primary contribution to the community's economic development effort. • Creation of a positive climate for both local and new business. • Assist small business retention and expansion. • Encourage and promote training, retraining, and personal support services to assist in the creation and expansion or meaningful employment opportunities. ' The City's role in dealing with prospective expansions or relocations is limited to planning for provision of municipal services and facilities such as streets and utilities. Any waiver of fees under Ordinance 44-1990 is considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the City Council at a regular Council meeting after thorough staff analysis and Council discussion of the merits of each individual proposal. Action steps which may be used to implement the aforementioned policies may include the following: ' The City will provide prospective businesses with information regarding municipal services, schools, recreational opportunities, health care, and other servives available within the community. ' The City will make existing and prospective business aware of the opportunities available through Colorado State University and the private sector in the areas of product and process development. ' The City will continue to maintain and enhance utility infrastructure and provide consistently reliable and efficient service. ' The City will strive to maintain a municipal tax and fee structure which is both reasonable and equitable. • The City will provide assistance to business and industry with regards to City process and procedure. • The City will continue to afford new and existing business and industry the opportunity to seek financial incentives pursuant to the Council adopted Ordinances previously referenced. Role of Private Sector The private sector plays a significant and critical role in the success of the overall economic development strategy. The mission of the private sector, as represented by Fort Collins, Inc., is to market and recruit basic industry to the City. This effort requires the support of the Chamber of Commerce and other entities referenced below as well as the local banks, financial institutions and existing business and industry. The Fort Collins, Inc./private sector approach is characterized by its ability to work with new and existing business in a confidential manner. Issues such as real estate values, business climate, financing options, and site options are most appropriately discussed by the private sector. Role of Ou«ide Entities The efforts of the City and private sector are directly and indirectly supported by severs) organizations and entities such as Colorado State University, Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors' Bureau, Poudre R•1 School District, Private Industry Council and the Employment and Training Service. Though each has an independent focus involving education, tourism, employment and training, their work contributes to the overall quahty_ of-life enjoyed within the community, thereby providing the network required to conduct an effective community based economic development program.