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Home My WebLink About2005-11-03 Info Packet i - t CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org November 3, 2005 NOVEMBER 7 WORK SESSION ITEMS IP1 Tentative Future Council Meetings and Work Session Agendas IP2 Memorandum from Council Member Vanderhoef: Legislative Priorities Memorandum from Council Member Regenia Bailey: Legislative Priorities Cityscape, November 2005: Iowa League of Cities Legislative Priorities 2006 I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS IP3 Letter from JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner to Lexington Avenue residents between Park Road and River Street: Lexington Avenue traffic barricade IP4 Building and Permit Information: October 2005 IP5 Quarterly Investment Report July 1, 2005 - September 30, 2005 [submitted by Brian Cover Senior Accountant] IP6 Email from Douglas Elliott: Leadership Group Meeting January 25, 2006. Report on Strengthening America's Communities Initiative. I PRELIMINARY/DRAFT MINUTES IP7 Planning and Zoning Commission: October 20, 2005 IP8 Board of Adjustment: October 12, 2005 IP9 Parks and Recreation Commission: October 12, 2005 IP10 Human Rights Commission: October 25, 2005 ~ ~. t CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET C__.ITY OF IOW2, C,_.ITY r~ovember 3, 2005 www.icgov.org NOVEMBER 7 WORK SESSION ITEMS/ / IP1 Tentative Council Meetings and Work Session Agend IP2 Memorandum from .uncil Member Vanderhoef: Legislative IP3 Letter from JCCOG Traffic ineering Planner to ~gton Avenue residents between Park Road and River Street: Lexin( ,n Avenue ~rricade IP4 Building and Permit 2 IP5 Quarterly Investment Report July 1, September 30, 2005 [submitted by Brian Cover Senior Accountant] IP6 Email from Douglas Elliott: Leadel Meeting January 25, 2006. Report on Strengthening America's ~ve. PREL MINUTES IP7 Planning and Zoning C, ;sion: October 20, IP8 Board of Adjustme~ October 12, 2005 IP9 Parks and Recr Commission: October 12, 2005 IP10 Human Ri~s Commission: October 25, 2005 ~ City Council Meeting Schedule and CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas November 2, 2005 www,icgov.org TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS I · MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall 7:00p Special Formal (Separate Agenda Posted) Work Session · Establish Legislative Priorities · Continued discussion of Zoning Code · Meeting Schedule · TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Emma J. Harvat Hall 1:30p-3:30p Special Work Session · Continued discussion of Zoning Code · Meeting Schedule · MONDAY, NOVEMBER '14 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p Regular Council Work Session · TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall 7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting · WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall l:00p-3:00p GeoComm Radio System Upgrade Joint Communications Center · TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Public Library 7:00p State League meeting with area legislators on Property Tax Legislation - Public Library · MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28* Emma J. Ha/vat Hall 4:30p-6:30p Local Legislators/option to December 3 · TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall TBA Orientation 2005/2006 City Councils · SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3* Emma J. Ha/vat Hall TBA Local Legislators (option to November 28) (special start time TBA afternoon) · MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall 6:30p Special Council Work Session TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting *Date not confirm ed iOWA CiTY RANDUM DATE: November 3, 2005 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Dee Vanderhoef, Council Member RE: Legislative Priorities At Monday's work session we are scheduled to discuss identification of our 2006 legislative priorities. Listed below are issues I'd like to discuss: 1. Manufactured housing on leased land taxed as a single family dwelling 2. All rental units taxed as commercial property 3. Return all or a portion of real estate transfer tax to cities where the transaction is processed 4. Change formula for road use tax to assist cities in building infrastructure used by everyone (i.e. vehicle miles per vehicle mile of paving) 5. Values fund, REAP, CAP grants, Vision Iowa, keep TIF 6. Uncouple farm land and urban property 7. Rather than create new revenue for a specific purpose, return and stabilize property tax valuations so that Home Rule decisions can be based on staple and predictable annual general fund revenue that allows cities to do long term planning 8. Increase public improvements bid threshold from $25,000 to $100,000 9. PROTECT HOME RULE I encourage Council Members to review Iowa League of Cities 2005 Priorities (IP4) included in October 27 information packet. To: Iowa City City Council Members From: Regenia Bailey DATE: November 7, 2005 RE: Legislative Priorities At Monday's work session, we are scheduled to discuss our 2006 legislative priorities. I would like to add the following items to Council Member Vanderhoefs list for discussion. 1. Develop a system by which hospitals and clinics track employment information from uninsured individuals who seek health care from them (or employment information from a parent or guardian if the patient is a minor) and provide this information annually to the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS). Annually require DHS to submit a public report to the governor and legislature specifying employers identified by the uninsured patients that, combined, employ 50 or more employees in our state. The report should not include the names of any patients and should comply with all federal and state privacy standards. 2. Hotel/Motel Tax--allow the tax cap to be raised from 7% to 9% and designate that any increases be used for area cultural activities. IOWA LEAGUE of CITIES Legislative Priorities · Serving Iowa Citizens - Property Tax Reform · Growing Iowa Communities - Economic Development · Protecting Iowa Taxpayers - Pensions The league's mission is to keep cities moving forwsrd through inno¥stion, efficiencies, 8nd ¢olMbomtion. The Lesgue stHYeS to ~etsin the ~bilit¥ for cities to provide the services, fs¢ilifie$, 8nd quslity of life p~ogrsms desired by its ciUzens. More percent of Iowsns live within 8 city 8nd the ~esgue 8nd its members wsnt to ensme thst these ~itizens 8m ssfe ~nd ~ble to enjoy life within thei~ community, ~eg~rdless of size. SmsII, medium or 18rge, esch city is unique 8nd must be embraced. The members of the Iow8 Lesgue of Oities 8dopted three legislstive priorities for ~006 focusing on essentisI i~ues ~rucisI to the future of Iow~ 8nd our communities. Our priorities 8re 8imed 8t 8thieving one common gosl: providing qu8lity services effecUvely 8nd efficiently 8s cities psve the w~y to the future. Pro e Reform: Se g Iowa Citizens ~rlod~ Support a proporty tax roform initiative that oliminatos inoquities caused by rollback; improves aecountabifity to taxpayers; allows cities to continue to provide local determined sorVices effectively and efficiently; enables and protee~ revenue altemativos. Back~ound: ~e League will again coordinate a comprehensive reform initiative with the Iowa State Association of Co~ties, streamlined from our original joint proposal made ~ 2005. ~e proposed 2006 priority language outl~es problems that true reform must address includ~g elim~at~g the rollback formula, improving the budget reporting process, establish~g reasonable limitations and protecting current tax base. Any proposals to erode existing tax base, such as reclassify~g apartments or making the rollback formula worse~ will be opposed. Alternative revenues will be promoted in the interest of holding the line on property taxes. Dur~g the last census, per capita general revenues ~ Iowa were $1,046 compared to $1,497 for the average U.S. city. This means the cities of Iowa operate on two-thirds the revenue of the average city ~ the nation. Gener~ Revenue per Capita Census Iowa Midwest U;S. ~ Avgl°wa AvgMidwest; Avg U,S. ' ~ ~ ............. [~ m~ ~ Prope~y Taxes '~:~ ~ ~ ~ .-~[ ~;~Y~~ [~:~ '~ ~Sa,es& Use~axes catergOries~ ~E* ~E ~E salad., sala~ Sa!a~ ~?~/= ~:~ ~ Income Taxes Law Enforcement 21.38 24,15 27.16 35;476 38,431 44,569 ~ ~ ~*.~ ~ AIl other Taxes ~7~,~ ~~;~ ~ ~ ~ Aid from Federal Fire 5.74 8.65 15.87 40,537 42,973 47,941 ~ ~~ ~ Aid from State Stree~ & RoadS 19:13 15~16 10'61 31~737 31,695 33,692 ,, :~ ~,~: ~ Aid from Local ' '~~.~.~.e~ c&p~g ~ General Charges Transit 2.75 3.94 6.45 28,148 33,726 44,542 ~ Misc. Revenues Airports 0.62 1.12 1.33 35,572 37~918 41,764 ~: **~ ~-~:: ~ ~ Hospitals 35.88 17.1 18.41 29,785 29,238 35,230 ~ j : Parks & Rec 6;63 7.8 7.62 28,842 28,309 28,906 ~ Library 5.81 5.24 4.26 22,249 25,563 28,110 ~ Elementary Ed 233.61 226;39 211.72 29,641 32,371 35,0~ Revenue Source Higher Ed 20.17 10.97 10.94 33,622 37~041 39,210 ~ ~ ~ comparisons, tis- About the League's Priorities These blue frames contain the exact priority language ratified by the Iowa League of Cities' Jmembership. If have questions regarding the League's legislative priorities, please contact the League office. you Economic Development: Growing Iowa Communities Priority: Protect and enhance economic development tools enabling cities In Iowa to promote economic improvement Pensions; throughout the state. - - -- Background, Cities drive ~ Iowa Taxpayers3 economic development in Iowa. Tax increment financ- Priority: Support legislation that ing (TIF) is the primary strengthens actuarial soundness local development tool and and fairly allocates the contribu- must be protected or tion rates among participating parties while enhanced. Local govern- opposing any expansion of benefits under ment financing vehicles the Iowa Public Employee Retirement need to be diversified. System (IPERS) or the Municipal Fire and Successful quality of life Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI). programs need continued funding, such as Vision Iowa, Iowa Great Places, Municipal Fire and Police and tax credits for historic Retirement System of Iowa preservation. The role of city govern- ~lJlldil~ Requirements merit in economic develop- 4o% ment is crucial. Economic · city Contribution actMty requires roads, streets, airports, water, and sanitation. New as% Member Contribution jobs necessitate more and better housing. Growing businesses seek ac% · · State Contribution quality of life amenities for employees and families, such as parks, 1 recreation, and libraries. Protection and safety of property and life 2s% I While state contributions must be assured. This can only be accomplished with the strong sup- I declined and member port of an effective city government. Cities must provide much more 20% contributions have than just the tangible services that support local industry and eom- remained consistent merce. Local leadership is an essential ingredient in attracting and 15% over the last five years, retaining quality jobs, and promoting economic opportunities in our the city contribution has 10% ~ state. Economic development is local development, dramatically increased, placing a burden on 5% property tax payers. 0% 2ooJ. 2002 2003 2004 2005 Background: The League will advocate for a rea- sonable distribution between employer and employee should the IPERS contribution rate be increased, while recognizing that MFPRSI policy has a more significant impact to many cities. Any new benefits or expansion of existing bene- fits will be opposed. Increased state contribu- tions to the MFPRSI system will be sought. ~i~ The iowa League of Cities is the oldest, continuously operating municipal league in the country. Founded in 1898, the League is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for issues affecting cities throughout Iowa. The League IOWA provides wide-ranging services for cities including research, workshops, reports, publications, pooled investments, LEAGUE and risk management. 317 Sixth Avenue, Suite800 · Des Moines, IA50309 _of CITIES Phone: (515) 244-7282 · Fax: (515) 244-0740 · www. lowaleague.org November 1, 2005 CFr¥ o[ low^ Crr¥ 410 last Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 Lexington Avenue residents between Park Road and River Street (319) ~ s 6- 5 ooo (3[9) 356-50o9 FAX Re: Lexington Avenue traffic barricade www.ic~,ov.org Dear Residents: Last spring the City re-installed the traffic calming barricade on Lexington Avenue near the intersection with McLean Street. You will recall that the agreement worked out between the neighborhood and the City Council states that the barricade will be in place for three seasons and removed during the winter. We specifically have established that the barricade will be removed when the City installs snowplows on City trucks, and reinstalled when the snowplows are taken off. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that City crews will remove the barricade along with the warning signage on Lexington Avenue the week of November 21st, weather permitting. City crews will reinstall the barricade next spring. If you note an increase in reckless operation of vehicles on Lexington Avenue, you should contact the Iowa City Police Department at their routine business number, 356-5275. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Anissa Williams JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner cc: City Manager City Council Police Department Public Works Department Planning and Community Development Department jccogtp/Itrs/lexwintedetterO5,doc BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION October 2005 KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS · Type of Improvement' ADD - Addition ALT- Alteration REP- Repair FND - Foundation Only NE W - New OTH- Other type of construction Type of Use · RSF - Residential Single Family RDF - Residential Duplex RMF- Three or more residential RA C - Residential Accessory BuiMing MI(- Mixed NON- Non-residential OTH- Other Page 2 City of Iowa City Date 11/1/2005 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 10/1/2005 Census Bureau Report From 10/31/2005 Type Type Permit Number .Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD05-00726 TOYOTA OF IOWA CITY 1445 HIGHWAY #1 WEST ADD NON 1 12 $340,000 DETAIL BAY ADDITION FOR CAR DEALERSHIP BLD05-O0281 CHEZIK HOLDING COMPAN 2343 MORNION TREK BLV ADD NON 1 0 $150,000 SERVICE BAYS ADD1TION TO CAR DEALERSHIP BLD05-00636 TD BUILDERS 1010 ORCHARD ST ADD NON 14 0 $65,000 ADDITION TO AUTO REPAIR SHOP BLD05-00731 ROBERTS DAIRY CO 1109 N DODGE ST ADD NON 2 I $25,300 ADDITION FOR DAIRY Total ADD/NON permits: 4 Total Valuation: $580,300 BLD05-00802 THOMAS OR JANE GREEN 803 E BURLINGTON ST ADD RDF I 2 $1,700 DECK ADDITION FOR DUPLEX Total ADD/RDF permits: 1 Total Valuation: $1,700 / · BLD05-00808 BRIAN POTTS 428 ROCKY SHORE DR ADD RSF I 2 $90,000 ALTERATION FOR SFD BLD05-00784 RICHARD & SUSAN FRANC[ 303 AMHURST ST ADD RSF 2 I $70,400 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00593 BILL DOSTAL 415 CLARK ST ADD RSF 2 0 $65,000 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00803 TIEN LY 2312 NEVADA AVE ADD RSF 1 2 $32,184 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00806 GLEN R MOWERY 1026 ST CLEMENTS ST ADD RSF 2 2 $27,000 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00785 PAUL & LAURI DENINGER 1246 DEERFIELD DR ADD RSF 2 1 $25,000 SCREEN PORCH AND DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00812 JOHN & VIRGINIA STAMLEt 358 LEXINGTON AVE ADD RSF 1 1 $25,000 SCREEN PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00693 CULVER, DAVID R 417 MACBRIDE DR ADD RSF 14 0 $22,437 3 SEASON PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00737 ANN KHAN 923 DEARBORN ST ADD RSF 2 1 $19,000 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00739 IKE BARNES & NANCY ROS 3162 WELLINGTON DR ADD RSF 2 I $17,240 SCREEN PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00827 CHUCK DEWEY 2244 MACBRIDE DR ADD RSF 1 I $14,500 ADDITION WITH HOT TUB FOR SFD BLD05-00761 BILL VORHIES 936 SCOTT PARK DR ADD RSF 1 0 $9,500 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00766 MARY HILL 1618 BURNS AVE ADD RSF 2 4 $6,500 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00772 EDNA PROBST 531 WOODRIDGE AVE ADD RSF 2 1 $4,400 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00746 MATT & ALLISON MUTCHL 800 SUNSET ST ADD RSF 2 1 $2,600 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD Page: 3 City of Iowa City Date: 11/mo05 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 0/1/2005 Census Bureau Report From: 10/31/2005 Type Type Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD05-00748 GREATER IOWA CITY HOU5 3035 STANFORD AVE ADD RSF 2 1 $2,100 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00769 LAHCEN GRASS 1352 GOLDENROD DR ADD RSF 2 I $1,000 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00779 ANNE S TANNER 427 ELMR1DGE AVE ADD RSF I I $1,000 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD Total ADD/RSF permits: 18 Total Valuation: $434,861 BLD05-00599 MARC MOEN 221 E COLLEGE ST ALT NON 14 0 $280,560 FITNESS CENTER TENANT FINISH BLD05-00628 MOEN DEVELOPMENT 221 COLLEGE ST ALT NON 14 0 $210,308 HOL1STIC HEALTH 2ND FLOOR TENANT FINISH IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING BLD05-00805 PETER VANDERHOEF 105 IOWA AVE ALT NON 2 2 $89,000 OFFICE REMODEL BLD05-00630 MOEN DEVELOPMENT 221 COLLEGE ST ALT NON 14 0 $69,372 SEED COMPANY OFFICE TENANT FINISH BLD05-00753 DISCERNING EYE 119 E WASHINGTON ST ALT NON 2 0 $67,500 EYE CLINIC BLD05-00754 GHULAM AHMED 23 S DUBUQUE ST ALT NON 2 0 $20,000 CEREALOGY RESTAURANT BLD05-00798 PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES 605 E JEFFERSON ST ALT NON I 2 $8,400 REMODEL BASEMENT OFFICES BLD05-00776 KEN HALDEMAN 509 S GILBERT ST ALT NON 1 I $5,000 REMODEL RESTROOMS BLD05-00759 NEW PIONEER COOP SOCIE' 22 S VAN BUREN ST ALT NON 1 0 $2,500 REPLACE INTERIOR COOLER BLD05-00765 GREENWOOD & CRIM PC 510 S CLINTON ST ALT NON 1 I $800 ADD AIRLOCK ENTRY TO OFFICE Total ALT/NON permits:10 Total Valuation: $753,440I BLD05-00279 JIM BUXTON 328 S GOVERNOR ST ALT RDF 3 0 $3,500 ATTIC FINISH OF UP/DOWN DUPLEX UN1T Total ALT/RDF permits: 1 Total Valuation: $3,500 BLD05-00814 CHRIS & MEREDITH CARTE 3544 GALWAY CT ALT RSF I I $63,230 REMODEL K1TCHEN AREA FOR SFD BLD05-00788 SARAH ROGERS & BOB HILl 1707 MUSCATINE AVE ALT RSF 1 1 $40,309 BATHROOM ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00727 KEVIN O'BRIEN 351 HUTCHINSON AVE ALT RSF 2 12 $25,000 REMODEL OF SFD BLD05-00755 BURER, SAMUEL A 2365 NOR ST ALT RSF 2 0 $22,225 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLD05-00743 MARK A BROCKMEYER 28 GREEN MOUNTAIN DR ALT RSF 2 I $10,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD Page: 4 City of Iowa City Date: 11/1/2005 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 10/1/2005 Census Bureau Report From: 10/31/2005 Type Type Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD05-00782 IC HOUSING AUTHORITY 801 SOUTHLAWN DR ALT RSF 1 I $10,000 BASEMENT BATH AND ALTERATION BLD05-00752 JEFFREY G WEIMAR 2762 IRVING AVE ALT RSF 2 0 $9,500 Basement finish BLD05-00780 LESLIE MOORE 1528 LANGENBERG AVE ALT RSF 1 I $7,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLD05-00740 JOHN WADSWORTH 3010 CREIGHTON DR ALT RSF 2 1 $5,500 EGRESS WINDOWS FOR BASEMENT OF SFD BLD05-00795 STEVE KOHL1 CONSTRUCT1 1327 LANGENBERG ALT RSF 1 1 $5,500 BASEMENT FINISH OF SFD BLD05-00801 STEVEN CONNELL JR 910 S SUMMIT ST ALT RSF I 2 $3,000 BASEMENT BEDROOM/OFFICE BLD05-00742 DOROTHY TOLLMAN 2701 LINDEN RD ALT RSF 2 I $2,100 REAR ENTRY DECK AND STAIRS BLD05-00531 SOUTH LIBERTY INC 311 MELROSE CT ALT RSF 1 0 $1,200 BASEMENT EGRESS WINDOW Total ALT/RSF permits: 13 Total Valuation: $204,564 BLD05-00800 COLLEGE TOWN PARTNER~ 409 S GILBERT ST FND RMF ! 2 $150,000 Foundation only Total FND/RMF permits: I Total Valuation: $150,000 BLD05-00757 SYSTEMS UNLIMITED, INC. 2533 S SCOTT BLVD NEW NON 2 0 $5,230,000 NEW SCHOOL OF SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTION [ TotaINEW/NON permits: I TotaIValuaflon: $5,230,000 BLD05-00722 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 4902 E COURT ST NEW RAC I 12 $48,000 DETACHED GARAGE FOR 12 PLEX APARTMENT BUILDING GARAGE #3 BLD05-00723 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN' 4846 E COURT ST NEW RAC 1 12 $48,000 DETACHED GARAGE FOR 12 PLEX APARTMENT BUILDING GARAGE #4 BLD05-00793 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 4954 E COURT ST NEW RAC 1 1 $48,000 DETACHED GARAGE FOR 12 PLEX APARTMENT BUILDING GARAGE # 1 - 16 STALLS BLD05-00724 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN' 4846 E COURT ST NEW RAC 1 12 $24,000 DETACHED GARAGE FOR 12 PLEX APARTMENT BUILD1NG GARAGE #5 BLD05-00792 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 4902 E COURT ST NEW RAC 1 I $24,000 DETACHED GARAGE FOR 12 PLEX APARTMENT BUILDING GARAGE #2-8 STALLS BLD05-00807 MARK & SHARON KLINE 710 KIMBALL AVE NEW RAC 1 2 $4,059 DETACHED STORAGE ADDITION FOR SFD BLD05-00773 PEGGY HIERONYMUS 3330 MUSCATINE AVE NEW RAC 1 I $4,000 DETACHED GARAGE ADDITION FOR SFD Page: 5 CityofIowa City Date: 11/1/2005 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 10/I/2005 Census Bureau Report From: 10/31/2005 Type Type Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation I Total NEW/RAC permits: 7 Total Valuation: $200,059 / BLD05-00796 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 140 BRENTWOOD DR NEW RDF 1 2 $270,330 DUPLEX WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 140-142 BRENTWOOD DR I Total NEW/RDF permits: 1 Total Valuation: $270,330 / BLD05~00709 HODGE CONSTRUCTION 420 N 1ST AVE NEW RMF 3 24 $2,825,000 24 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING WITH BASEMENT PARKING BLD05~00725 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 4846 E COURT ST NEW RMF 3 12 $1,121,281 12 PLEX APARTMENT BUILDING 4846-48-50-52-54-56-58-60-62-64-66-68 E COURT ST. BLD05-00721 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 4902 E COURT ST NEW RMF 3 12 $986,905 12 PLEX APARTMENT BUILD1NG 4902-04-06-08-10-12-14-16-18-20-22-24 E COURT ST. BLD05-00718 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 4780 E COURT ST NEW RMF 2 4 $585,060 4 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 4780-4782-4784-4786 E COURT ST. BLD05-00719 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN' 347 HUNTINGTON DR NEW RMF 2 4 $585,060 4 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 347-351-355-359 HUNTINGTON DR BLD05-00762 NICK PRTNRSHP LLP 16 WILLOUGHBY LN NEW RMF 1 3 $536,248 3 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 16-18-20 WILLOUGHBY LANE BLD05-00720 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 4810 E COURT ST NEW RMF 2 4 $532,903 4 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 4810-4812-4814-4816 E COURT ST. Total NEW/RMF permits: 7 Total Valuation: $7,172,457 1 BLD05-00751 RUESS HOMES 65 HICKORY HEIGHTS LN NEW RSF 2 1 $400,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00767 MIKE & KELLY MESSINGTC 64 HICKORY HEIGHTS LN NEW RSF 2 I $390,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00789 FRANTZ BUILDERS INC 3554 DONEGAL CT NEW RSF 2 1 $300,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00790 FRANTZ BUILDERS INC 3514 DONEGAL CT NEW RSF 2 1 $300,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00744 DAN TEDUITS 10 HICKORY HEIGHTS LN NEW RSF 2 I $249,309 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00707 WALTON BUILDERS INC 3419 IRELAND DR NEW RSF 2 I $211,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00763 KW DESIGNS 3427 IRELAND DR NEW RSF I 1 $204,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00730 MERLIN HAMM 1950 BRISTOL DR NEW RSF 2 1 $200,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00786 ALLEN CONSTRUCTION 2376 RUSSELL DR NEW RSF I 1 $190,000 SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE Page 6 City of Iowa City Date 11/1/2005 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 10/1/2005 Census Bureau Report From 10/31/2005 Type Type Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD05-00809 ST ENTERPRISES LLC 2388 RUSSELL DR NEW RSF 1 1 $148,414 SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD05-00811 DICK REEVES 360 PALOMINO CT NEW RSF 1 I $138,267 MANUFACTURED HOME ON FOUNDATION [ Total NEW/RSF permits: 11 Total Valuation: $2,730,990 BLD05-00830 HY-VEE 310 N 1 ST AVE REP NON 1 1 $64,000 REROOF COMMERCIAL BUILDING BLD05-00818 KEVIN J HOCHSTEDLER & If 340 HIGHLAND AVE REP NON I I $3,000 Fire Repair BLD05-00783 ROB PHIPPS & BOB MITCHE 301 KIRKWOOD AVE REP NON I 1 $1,000 RESIDING COMMERCIAL BUILDING Total REP/NON permits: 3 Total Valuation: $68,000 BLD05-00750 ROCHESTER HILLS CONDO 35 AUDUBON PL REP RDF 2 I $4,389 ROOF AND ATTIC REPAIR OF RDF BLD05-00781 ROCHESTER HILLS CONDO 3 AUDUBON PL REP RDF I I $4,059 REPAIR BLD05-00749 ROCHESTER HILLS CONDO 627 LARCH LN REP RDF 2 1 $3,920 ROOF AND ATTIC REPAIR OF RDF Total REP/RI)F permits: 3 Total Valuation: $12,368 BLD05-00791 DANIEL MOORE 2446 LAKESIDE DR REP RMF 2 1 $8,500 REROOF OF RMD Total REP/RMF permits: 1 Total Valuation: $8,500 1 BLD05-00764 GLEN R MOWERY 1026 SAINT CLEMENTS Al REP RSF 1 1 $8,000 REPLACE FRONT PORCH FOR SFD BLD05-00768 LINDA SEVERSON 827 MAGGARD ST REP RSF 2 I $5,200 WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR SFD BLD05-00774 SAMUAL HAHN 423 TERRACE RD REP RSF I 1 $5,176 WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR SFD BLD05-00770 AERIES PROPERTY MANAG 1011 HUDSON AVE REP RSF 2 1 $3,000 REROOF BLD05-00799 STEPHEN R BURNS 309 COLLEGE CT REP RSF I 2 $2,000 WINDOWS FOR SFD BLD05-00747 JOHN DOWNER 703 WHITING AVE REP RSF 2 I $1,619 EGRESS WINDOWS BLD05-00787 BRIAN TACK & LINDA MCC 313 HUTCHINSON AVE REP RSF 1 I $1,200 PORCH REPAIR FOR SFD BLD05-00831 TIM LEHMAN 1205 FRANKLIN ST REP RSF I 1 $1,200 EGRESS WINDOW FOR SFD Page: 7 City of Iowa City Date: 11/I/2005 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 10/1/2005 Census Bureau Report From: 10/31/2005 Type Type Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD05-00738 FRANK FLEMING 505 MELROSE CT REP RSF I 1 $250 STAIR REPAIR FOR SFD BLD05-00756 KEVIN S & HELEN S BURFO 528 E COLLEGE ST REP RSF 2 0 $0 REPLACE PORCH FOR SFD I Total REP/RSF permits: 10 Total Valuation: $27,645 / GRAND TOTALS: PERMITS: 92 VALUATION: $17,848,714 CITY OF IOWA CITY QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT July 1, 2005 to September 30, 2005 Finance Department: Prepared by: Brian Cover Senior Accountant OVERVIEW The City of Iowa City's investment objectives are safety, liquidity and yield. The primary objective of the City of Iowa City's investment activities is the preservation of capital and the protection of investment principal. The City's investment portfolio remains sufficiently liquid to enable the City to meet operating requirements that cash management procedures anticipate. In investing public funds, the City's cash management portfolio is designed with the objective of regularly exceeding the average return on the six month U.S. Treasury Bill. The Treasury Bill is considered a benchmark for riskless investment transactions and therefore comprises a minimum standard for the portfolio's rate of return. The 4 week average return on the six-month U.S. Treasury Bill, as obtained from the monthly publication Public Investor, was 3.81% at 9/30/05. The investment program seeks to achieve returns above this threshold, consistent with risk limitations and prudent investment principles. The rate of return on the City's portfolio for the quarter was 3.38%. The reason for the lower rate is due to the way the City's investments are spread over a twelve month period which locks in rates that are lower than current rates in a rising interest environment. Investments purchased by the City of Iowa City for the third quarter of this year were 39 basis points higher than the threshold. Rates on new investment purchases in our operating cash portfolio for the second quarter were approximately 65 basis points higher than investments purchased at this time last year. The federal funds rate is the interest rate at which banks lend to each other. The Federal Reserve raised the target of the federal funds rate to 3.75% on September 20, 2005. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates 250 basis points since June 2004. The quarterly investment report lists investments by fund, by institution, by maturity date, and investments purchased and redeemed. New official state interest rates setting the minimum that may be paid by Iowa depositories on public funds in the 180 to 364 day range during this quarter were 2.40% in July 2005, 2.55% in August 2005 and 2.65% in September 2005. Federal Funds Rate 7.00 6.50 6.00 5.50 5.00 4.50 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 CITY OF IOWA CITY INVESTMENTS ON HAND DETAIL LISTING BY MATURITY DATE 9~30~2005 INSTITUTION INVESTMENT PURCHASE MATURITY INVESTMENT INTEREST NAME TYPE DATE DATE AMOUNT RATE VAN KAMPEN GOVT MUTUAL FUND 22-Ju1-85 N/A 200,000.00 VARIABLE NORWEST BANK SAVINGS 01-Dec-99 N/A 200,000.00 VARIABLE IOWA PUBLIC AGENCY INVEST TRUST IPAIT 13-Jun-02 N/A 2,000,000.00 VARIABLE IPAITNVELLS FARGO IPAIT 29-Nov-02 N/A 632,775.98 VARIABLE COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 18-Nov-04 07-Oct~05 750,000.00 2.78 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 18-Nov-04 14-Oct-05 2,000,000.00 2.79 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 18-Nov-04 21-Oct-05 750,000.00 2.81 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 18-Nov-04 28-Oct-05 2,000,000.00 2.83 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 25-Feb-05 28-Oct-05 163,506.11 3.28 UICCU CD 09-Mar-04 01-Nov-05 1,323,073.62 2.06 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 18-Nov-04 04-Nov-05 750,000.00 2.84 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 07-De¢-04 11-Nov-05 2,150,000.00 2.96 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 07-Dec-04 18-Nov-05 750,000.00 2.97 WEST BANK CD 10-Feb-05 18-Nov-05 2,000,000.00 3.32 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 07-Dec-04 23-Nov-05 2,150,000.00 2.98 LIBERTY BANK CD 11-Mar-04 01-Dec-05 186,128.03 1.87 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 07-Dec-04 02-De¢-05 750,000.00 3.00 UICCU CD 12-Dec-03 09-De¢-05 6,577,860.00 2.33 US BANK CD 22-Dec-04 09-Dec-05 2,150,000.00 2.99 US BANK' CD 22-De0-04 16-De¢-05 750,000.00 3.00 US BANK CD 22-Dec-04 22-Dec-05 2,150,000.00 3.00 WEST BANK CD 13-Jan-05 28-Dec-05 750,000.00 3.25 LIBERTY BANK CD 15-Apr-05 2-Jan-06 2,600,000.00 3.66 WEST BANK CD 13-Jan-05 03-Jan-06 2,150,000.00 3.25 WEST BANK CD 13-Jan-05 09-Jan-06 750,000.00 3.25 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 27-Jan-05 20-Jan-06 2,150,000.00 3.26 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 27rJan-05 27-Jan-06 750,000.00 3.26 VVEST BANK CD 10-Feb-05 03-Feb-06 2,150,000.00 3.37 UICCU CD 10-Mar-05 10-Feb-06 750,000.00 3.61 UlCCU CD 10-Mar-05 17-Feb-06 2,150,000.00 3.61 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 10-Mar-05 24-Feb-06 750,000.00 3.62 UNION PLANTERS CD 01-Apr-05 03-Mar-06 2,150,000.00 3.85 UNION PLANTERS CD 01-Apr-05 10-Mar-06 750,000.00 3.85 UNION PLANTERS CD 01-Apr-05 17-Mar-06 2,150,000.00 3.85 FREEDOM SECURITY CD 15-Apr-05 24-Mar-06 750,000.00 3.85 UICCU CD 15-Apr-05 31-Mar-06 2,150,000.00 3.72 FREEDOM SECURITY CD 15-Apr-05 07-Apr-06 750,000.00 3.85 IOWA STATE BANK CD 15-Apr-05 14-Apr-06 2,150,000.00 3.79 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 3-May-05 21-Apr-06 3,000,000.00 3.71 UICCU CD 03-May-05 28-Apr-06 3,000,000.00 3.81 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 17-May-05 05-May-06 1,000,000.00 4.01 COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 17-May-05 12-May~06 3,000,000.00 4.01 IOWA STATE BANK CD 24-May-05 19-May-06 2,000,000.00 3.86 UICCU CD 10-Jun-05 26-May-06 2,150,000.00 3.81 LIBERTY BANK CD 11-Mar-04 01-Jun-06 187,523.98 2.17 WEST BANK CD 15-Sep-05 01-Dec-05 1,560,000.00 3.95 FREEDOM SECURITY CD 10-Jun-05 02-Jun-06 750,000.00 3.92 FARMERS & MERCHANTS CD 10-Jun-05 09-Jun-06 2,150,000.00 4.01 FARMERS & MERCHANTS CD 24-Jun-05 16-Jun-06 750,000.00 3.92 FREEDOM SECURITY CD 24-Jun-05 23-Jun-06 2,250,000.00 3.97 LIBERTY BANK CD 13-Ju1-05 30-Jun-06 750,000.00 4.16 WEST BANK CD 18-Jul-05 30-Jun-06 2,788,440.16 3.90 UICCU CD 15-Sep-05 30-Jun-06 2,000,000.00 4.32 UICCU CD 24-May-05 1-Jul-06 1,000,000.00 3.92 INSTITUTION INVESTMENT PURCHASE MATURITY INVESTMENT INTEREST NAME TYPE DATE DATE AMOUNT RATE FREEDOM SECURITY CD 07-Jul-05 03-Jul-06 974,504.00 4.01 LIBERTY BANK CD 13-Jul-05 07-Jul-06 2,150,000.00 4.16 UICCU CD 30-Aug-05 14-Jul-06 750,000.00 4.42 IOWA STATE BANK CD 30-Aug-05 21-Jul-06 2,150,000.00 4.47 UICCU CD 30-Aug-05 28-Jul-06 750,000.00 4.42 UICCU CD 15-Sep-05 04-Aug-06 2,000,000.00 4.37 UICCU CD 15-Sep-05 11-Aug-06 750,000.00 4.37 FIRST AMERICAN BANK CD 30-Mar-05 30-Sep-06 5,731,830.21 4.11 LIBERTY BANK CD 11-Mar-04 01-Dec-06 188,930.41 2.57 US BANK CD 25-Feb-05 26-Feb-07 2,261,901.00 3.94 LIBERTY BANK CD 11-Mar-04 01-Jun-07 190,347.39 2.67 TOTAL $102,416,820.89 CITY OF IOWA CITY INVESTMENT ACTIVITY FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 INVESTMENTS ON HAND AT 6/30/05 114,460,091.00 INVESTMENT PURCHASE MATURITY INTEREST INSTITUTION TYPE DATE DATE RATE PURCHASES 7/01/05 TO 9/30/05 FREEDOM SECURITY CD 07-Jul-05 03-Jul-06 4.01 974,504.00 LIBERTY BANK CD 13-Jul-05 30-Jun-06 4.16 750,000.00 LIBERTY BANK CD 13-Jul-05 07-Jul-06 4.16 2,150,000.00 WEST BANK CD 18-Jul-05 30-Jun-06 3.90 2,788,440.16 UICCU CD 30-Aug-05 14-Jul-06 4.42 750,000.00 IOWA STATE BANK CD 30-Aug-05 21-Jul-06 4.47 2,150,000.00 UICCU CD 30-Aug-05 28-Ju1-06 4.42 750,000.00 UICCU CD 15-Sep-05 30-Jun-06 4.32 2,000,000.00 UICCU CD 15-Sep-05 04-Aug-06 4.37 2,000,000.00 UICCU CD 15-Sep-05 11-Aug-06 4.37 750,000.00 VVEST BANK CD 15-Sep-05 01-Dec-05 3.95 1,560,000.00 TOTAL PURCHASES $16,622,944.16 REDEMPTIONS 7/01/05 TO 9/30/05 FARMERS & MERCHANTS CD 01-Jul-04 01-Jul-05 2.75 (974,504.00) LIBERTY BANK CD 10-Aug-04 01-Jul-05 2.50 (3,500,000.00) UICCU CD 24-Sep-04 01-Jul-05 2.86 (750,000.00) FREEDOM SECURITY CD 20-Oct-04 01-Jul-05 2.48 (3,000,000.00) IOWA STATE BANK CD 27-Jan-05 01-Jul-05 2.96 (1,237,000.00) IOWA STATE BANK CD 15-Oct-04 08-Jul-05 2.69 (2,000,000.00) IOWA STATE BANK CD 15-Oct-04 15-Jul-05 2.46 (750,000.00) IOWA STATE BANK CD 15-Oct-04 22-Jul-05 2.81 (2,000,000.00) IOWA STATE BANK CD 15-Oct-04 29-Jul-05 2.56 (750,000.00) UICCU (PARTIAL REDEMPTION) CD 09-Mar-04 28-Jul-05 2.06 (373,837.71) IOWA STATE BANK CD 15-Oct-04 05-Aug-05 2.83 (2,000,000.00) FREEDOM SECURITY CD 20-Oct-04 12-Aug-05 2.37 (750,000.00) FREEDOM SECURITY CD 20-Oct-04 19-Aug-05 2.60 (2,000,000.00) FREEDOM SECURITY CD 20-Oct-04 26-Aug-05 2.45 (750,000.00) FREEDOM SECURITY CD 20-Oct-04 02-Sep-05 2.65 (2,000,000.00) WEST BANK CD 10-Nov-04 09-Sep-05 2.73 (750,000.00) WEST BANK CD 10-Nov-04 16-Sep-05 2.79 (2,000,000.00) WEST BANK CD 10-Nov-04 23-Sep-05 2.79 (750,000.00) UICCU (PARTIAL REDEMPTION) CD 09-Mar-04 01-Sep-05 2.06 (330,872.56) COMMERCIAL FEDERAL CD 18-Nov-04 30-Sep-05 2.77 (2,000,000.00) TOTAL REDEMPTIONS (28,666,214.27) INVESTMENTS ON HAND AT 9/30/05 102,416,820.89 CITY OF IOWA CITY INVESTMENTS ON HAND SUMMARY BY FUND 9~30~2005 9/30/2004 FUND INVESTMENT INVESTMENT TYPE AMOUNT AMOUNT ALL OPERATING FUNDS 84,489,626.08 86,311,090.18 GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND FUND 2,312,929.81 2,928,677.85 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RESERVE FUND 200,000.00 700,000.00 BOND RESERVE FUND 15,414,265.00 16,036,265.00 TOTAL 102,416,820.89 105,976,033.03 CITY OF IOWA CITY INVESTMENTS ON HAND LISTING BY INSTITUTION 9~30~2005 9/30/2004 INSTITUTION INVESTMENT INVESTMENT NAME AMOUNT AMOUNT COMMERCIAL FEDERAL BANK 22,863,506.11 19,771,374.87 FARMERS & MERCHANTS SAVINGS BANK 2,900,000.00 1,724,504.00 FIRST AMERICAN BANK 5,731,830.21 0.00 FREEDOM SECURITY BANK 5,474,504.00 6,467,000.00 HILLS BANK & TRUST 0.00 0.00 IOWA STATE BANK 6,300,000.00 9,337,492.50 IOWA PUBLIC AGENCY INVESTMENT TRUST 2,632,775.98 4,147,819.31 LIBERTY BANK 6,252,929.81 10,183,677.85 U OF I COMM CREDIT UNION 25,350,933.62 21,127,449.27 UNION PLANTERS BANK 5,050,000.00 10,550,000.00 US BANK 7,311,901.00 1,624,408.50 US TREASURY NOTES AND AGENCIES 0.00 0.00 WELLS FARGO BANK 200,000.00 4,215,080.00 WEST BANK 12,148,440.16 16,627,226.73 VAN KAMPEN 200,000.00 200,000.00 TOTAL 102,416,820.89 105,976,033.03 Marian Karr ~ From: Gina Peters [gina.peters@ecicog.org] Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 11:00 AM To: William Voss; William Cooper; Tom Svoboda; ThomasC. Patterson; Terrence Neuzil; Tawnia Kakacek; SteveAtkins; Shelley Allison; Sharon Meyer; ScottGrabe; Sally Stutsman; Rozena McVey; Rod Sullivan; Rick Elliott; Randy H. Fours; PriorityOne; Paula Freeman-Brown; Paul Pate; PatrickMurphy; Pat Harney; Nancy Beuter; Mike Sullivan; Mike Goldberg; Michael Lehman; MaryK Mitchell; Mark K Kresowik; Marian Karr; MaggieGrosvenor Mowery; Lu Barron; Linda Langston; LesBeck; Lee Clancey; Larry Dauenbaugh; KellyHayworth; Joshua Schamberger; John Nieland; JoHogarty; Jeff Davidson; Jane Tompkins; JamesHouser; J. Patrick White; IA Environmental Education Project; Howard R. Green; Hills; Gloria Jacobson; GlenPotter; Doug Kamberling; Doug; Don Saxton; Don Gray; Dee Vanderhoef; Dale Stanek; ConnieEvans; Chad; Casie Kadlec; Brian James; Becky Shoop; Arnold-Olson & Assoc.; BethFreeman; Gary Grant; Mary Day Subject: SACI Report SACIfinal. pdf (1 Dear Leadership Group: Thanks again for your good work at last night's meeting. I'll be sending a summary of the discussion out under separate cover. In the meantime, I've attached a copy of the report on the "Strengthening America's Communities Initiative," which I neglected to bring with me last night. This should be of interest to the Leadership Group, because it recommends consolidating federal community and economic development programs and distributing them on a competitive, regional basis. For practical purposes, this could mean that programs like Community Development Block Grants would no longer be made available on an entitlement basis to the metropolitan communities of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids or on a statewide, competitive basis to individual, nonentitlement cities and counties. The Leadership Group may want to discuss the merits of such an initiative and/or how we as a region would position ourselves for its implementation. The next meeting of the Leadership Group will be Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at 5:00 p.m., location TBA. Look for a summary of last night's meeting and more information about the next meeting in future emails. Douglas D. Elliott Executive Director ECICOG 108 Third Street SE Suite 300 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319) 365-9941, x22 voice) (319) 365-9981 (fax) www.ecicog.org *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders Rising to the Challenge Executive Summary ~ The Committee's Charge and Process U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development A~inistration 11 {)' A Challenge for the 21 ,t Century CarlosM:Gutierrez ~, 77 Evolution of Economic Development in the United States Secretary of Commerce Sandy Baruah "*~ ' d, zl Leadership in Action 2(3 Acknowledgements Matt Crow 'ACting Depu~yAssistant Secretary ~ 7 Glossary of Terms for External Affairs and Communications Bryan aornk 3 0 Appendix A: Advisory Committee Members Senior PublicMfaii-s Specialist Louise Anderson ~77~ ~ Endnotes International Economic Development Council Editor Economic,DevelopmentAmerifaisaquarterly ~:A ~0~1~ ~0 ~hC~ ~JJ~'~ ~O~ii~ productionbr°ught ~6"Y°~ ~ a benefit of a The devastation left by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the partnership among the Economic Devdopment Gulf Coast communities of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama Ad~nistrati0n and Texas was severe and unprecedented in our nation's his- tory. I traveled recently to the region with Treasury Secretary John W. Snow, Labor Secretary Elaine L. ChaD and Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne B. Barnhart to assess both the near-term and long-term economic needs and to discuss the work the Commerce Department is doing to aid in the communities throughout the United States. It economic recovery of the region. also pr°vldes~iii telecasts and a monthly e- These storms have been devastating to lives and liveli- newsletter,:EDA~Update. For moreinform~ttion, hoods, and we know that together we will heal. As the President has said, we will roll up our visit the EDA Web Site at www. eda.gov, sleeves and go to work. We will build up again, better and stronger than what was swept away. Story ideas arc invited and should be addressed The Economic Development Administration has played a key role in the long-term to editor LouiseAnderson, telephone (828) economic recovery efforts following natural disasters. Now, EDA will make available more 350-8855, email landerson@iedconline.org, than $8 million for Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi to help their respective state and local governments begin to plan for economic recovery. With these funds, the governors of these states can begin a critical examination of the damage to their state economies, and begin to work with the business community, including Chambers of Commerce and other local development foundations. The states can also hire the best firms in the development business to draft an overall economic recovery and development strategy. Some of you will be a part of this important effort. I thank all of you in advance for the contributions that you will make to the long-term economic recovery efforts for this important region. Working together, we can and will restore the region as the economic driver it has always been. Thank you for your commitment and service to our country. Carlos M. Gutierrez U.S. Secretary of Commerce '~ ~tr ~ 2 Economic Development America s u m M E R 2 0 0 5 Rising to the Challenge Advising Change to 40-Year-Old Federal Policy President, Council on Competitiveness, and Chairperson, Strengthening Americas Communities Advisory Committee At first, our task seemed daunting. In April 2005, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. federal policy into the 2P~ Gutierrez appointed 17 accomplished individuals to an century; (2) targeting need Advisory Committee, with the charge of reviewing the rec- and responding to opportu- ommendations of the Strengthening America's Communities nity; and 3) assuring flexibil- Initiative and providing the Secretary with our thoughts on ity, accountability and the proposal. In essence, our mandate was to advise first results. steps in updating current federal economic and community The updating of federal development policy and programs, which in large part, have policy is so extensive as to not changed for 40 years, require a new vncabulary for It would be an understatement to describe Committee 2P' century community and members' backgrounds as diverse; we are state and local offi- economic development, cials, private-sector economic development practitioners, bringing to light concepts of globalization, regionalism, corn- and leaders of community-based and research organizations, petitiveness, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These con- We come from 16 states and the District of Columbia, repre- cepts, detailed in the report, pave the way for the broadening senting urban and rural regions, and a wide range of context in which federal policy must be set. They also pro- resources, strengths and needs. Indeed, it became clear upon vide suggested guideposts for communities and regions to looking around the table at our first meeting in Fresno, use as they begin focusing on the critical elements to innova- California, that this group could articulate firsthand the eco- tion-based economic growth in a globally competitive world: nomic and community development challenges facing our talent, investment, and infrastructure. nation. There is no question that the playing field is leveling; Despite our diversity, we quickly agreed on several princi- America will have to work harder than ever before to main- ples: The pritnary goal of economic development - securing tain its position as economic world leader. America's ability an increasing standard of living for all citizens - has not fun- to successfully compete in the global marketplace will be damentally changed; community development and economic determined by the strengths of its regions. development are integrally linked; and there is no "one size Just as we compete in the world marketplace, so too must fits all" solution for helping distressed communities and we compete at home. Economic and community develop- regions across the nation build prosperity, ment funds can no longer be provided exclusively on the After two additional public sessions and several months basis of 40-year-old formulas. Rather, we must challenge of research, deliberation and dynamic discussion, I am each community and region by creating a system that pleased to report that we reached consensus on a roadmap rewards innovators and the visionaries while providing for for directing future economic and community development those communities that truly need a helping hand. policy. The resulting recommendations, set forth in the fol- Therefore it is my great hope that with these recommen- lowing report and presented to'Secretary Gutierrez on June dations, our common goal of securing an increasingly higher 21, 2005, are offered as our vision for ensuring the prosperity standard of living for all citizens will be more attainable in of America's communities and regions in the 21~ century, the 2 P' century than at any time in our history. The recommendations fall into three categories: 1) bringing SUMMER 2005 Econornic Development Arnerica ')~ ~r ~ Executive Summary Globalization has fundamentally transformed the American economy. Regions defined by economic rather than political boundaries are the new building blocks of prosperity. The drivers of economic growth are changing, dramatically tion of federal economic and community development pro- and swiftly, bringing knowledge, innovation, and entrepre- grams. The Committee did not assess or evaluate which fed-. neurship to the forefront. As a result, our regions are eom- eral programs would be best to consolidate, the individual peting globally in a fierce race for talent, capital, investment, performance of existing programs, or an appropriate level of skills, and expertise, appropriations for the Initiative. While the drivers of economic growth have changed, and The Secretary appointed Committee members to serve while economists have discovered a host of new strategies for a two-year period, and asked the Committee to submit a that offer extraordinary potential to help regions compete report of initial recommendations within three months. globally, our nation continues with policies, organizational Over the past several months the Committee held meet- structures, and investment ings in Fresno, California, strategies built for a past era. Kansas City, Missouri, and Current federal economic Communities a~d r{~gi{}~lS Clearwater, Florida, and development policy -- which worked by teleconference to largely assumes a homoge- accomplish this end. In addi- neons, industrial economic ShO[~d ~dO m~at~n-tion, subcommittees convened landscape -- has not changed work sessions throughout this for 40 years. The degree to process. which America'sregionsandcommunities can successfully baseflstrategiesto remove Summa~0fFindings, Guiding compete in the global market- Principles, lind place wiil determine whether harriers to e n mie residents of these regions will live in an environment of need During its early deliberations, and scarcity or one of abun- the Committee quickly recog- dance in the decades ahead. In[ir0wth and to inerease nized the need to revisit funda- short, given that the nation's mental policy issues, and economic health is inextrica- therefore focused its primary blylh~ked to the competitive- their 0m etiti eness ia attention on implementation ness of its regions, a national policies not on implementa- dividend will accrue from fed- tion procedures and processes. eral investments that strength- ~ ~ ~ r~ 0~ ~ ~B~ Its recommendations take into en regions and the communi- o~ -' -- ~Z~[~ careful consideration the histo- ties that exist within, ry of economic development policy and programs in the United States, the evolution of The Strengthening America's Communities Advisory economic and community development thinking, and the Committee challenges and opportunities posed by the 21st century econ- A response to this need for change is the Strengthening · omy. America's Communities Initiative ("the Initiative"), As a framework for deliberations and for this report, the announced in February of 2005 as part of the FY 2006 Committee organized its work into three categories: findings, Budget Request of President George W. Bush. The guiding principles, and recommendations. Findings represent Strengthening America's Communities Advisory Committee statements of the nation's current state in economic and (the "Committee") was appointed to advise the U.S. community development policy and thinking. Guiding prin- Secretary of Commerce on policies, principles, and guide- ciples represent common beliefs, evolved from the findings, lines associated with the implementation of the Ifiitiative. which illuminate the path to assisting communities and regions to achieve competitiveness in a global economy. The Committee focused its attention on policy considera- Recommendations are specific actions that the federal gov- tions and basic principles that should guide the reorganiza- Economic Development America s u M M ~ ~ 2 0 0 S ernment should consider to align federal policies and invest- ments with 21st century economic imperatives. By the Committee's third meeting in Clearwater on June 2, 2005, three very dear themes -- or areas of recommenda- tion -- emerged: Bringing Federal Policy into the 21st Century; Targeting Need and Responding to Opportunity; and Assuring Flexibility, Accountability, and Results. (See Figure 1: Recommendations At-a-Glance.) Bringing Federal Policy into the 21~ Centluy nities will not be in a constant state of distress. Every year In the 21" century America's communities will derive eco- some communities will have succeeded to the point they no nomic strength by acting and partnering regionally to com- pete globally. Innovation and entrepreneurship are the twin longer require federal assistance. At the same time, it can be expected that other communities may weaken due to shifts engines for wealth creation and a rising standard of living, in the global economy, major plant closures, and even natu- Regional competitiveness needs to be the underlying strategy ral disasters, and these communities may then qualify under for federal economic and community development policy. Communities must act regionally to be competitive in the eligibility profile. today's world. To reach their full potential, communities must collaborate with other communities and with private Assuring Flexibilily, Accountability and Results and public partners (e.g., businesses, civic organizations, Federal economic and community development programs chambers of commerce, national laboratories, research and need to be consolidated for access, efficiency, and accounta- education institutions, foundations, nonprofits, regional bility. The federal role should clearly be one of catalyzing and developers, etc.), on economic strategic planning and growth supporting actions that are led, directed, and implemented initiatives and their implementation. Ideally, all American by regions and communities. One of the many benefits of communities and regions should adopt innovation-based consolidation is better coordination at the federal level, strategies to remove barriers to economic growth and to where programs are dispersed across many departments and increase their competitiveness in an era of globalization. ' agencies. Assistance must also be made flexible, easily accessi- Because this is so important, long-term strategy develop- ble, and strongly tied to performance, results, and measura- ment should be the first use of federal assistance for any ble outcomes. community receiving assistance, as well as a prerequisite for The changes recommended in this report must be imple- follow-on aid. In addition, federal policies and actions mented in ways that minimize disruption to participants in should be reviewed for their impacts on the sustainability current programs. The Committee urges provisions for a sig- and competitiveness of economic regions, nificant transition period for the shift from current pro- grams now providing assistance. Targeting Need and Responding to Opportunity The eligibility and allocation of federal resources must also Leadership in Action be better targeted to communities and regions of high dis- During agreement deliberations, Committee members also tress. Potential for improvement exists in all communities, had the opportunity to learn about initiatives across the but it must be identified and acted upon. ]hrgeting need has country that are transforming the economic landscape and declined under the long-standing and current formulas, growing prosperity. These initiatives encompass new which the Committee recommends updating to incorporate alliances that cross jurisdictional lines, build public-private new measures and indicators of the relative strength of a collaborations, and utilize tmiversities and community col- community and region, leges as full partners in building regional economies. Several The Committee has also concluded that competitive chal- of these initiatives are shown at the conclusion of the report. lenge grants constitute a better mechanism than formula grants for maximizing scarce resources, assuring accountabil- Summary ity, and achieving results. Over time, challenge grants should While the Committee's recommendations are offered as a become the most prevalent model for federal assistance to roadmap to the prosperity future, mad "challenge and distressed communities. The Committee recommends that change" are the overarching themes of this report, the the federal government set a goal to transition most federal Committee has concluded that the fundamental goal of com- assistance to competitive grants within the next ten years. To munity and economic development has not changed: the ensure that distressed communities are equipped to compete goal of securing an increasing standard of living and greater for these grants as the transition proceeds, significant te.chni- opportunity for all citizens. With these recommendations, it cai assistance and support for capacity-building must be is hoped that this goal will be more attainable in the 21*~ made available, century than at any time in the past. Regarding eligibility for assistance, this report recognizes that community development is a dynamic process; commu- s u M M ~ ~ 2 0 0 5 Economic DevelopmentAmerica Establish regional competitiveness as the overriding goal for federal economic and communi~ development policy. Review all federal policies and regulations for their im ~ac~ on the sustainability and compeUtiveness of economic - Require long-term, innovation~based, regional economic and communi~ development strategies as a prerequisite for follow-on federal assistance, Provide significant funding of technical assistance to regions for the formulation of innovation-based regional economic development strategies. Coordinate and consolidate wor~orce development programs with economic development initiaUves to drive innovation- based economic gro~h. Direct federal economic and communi~ development resoumes to encourage communities ~ form regional padnerships and governance models primarily based on economic relationships, not poliUcal boundaries. Promote private-public padnerships for mgiona development ~at include educaUonal and research institutions, national laboratories, labor organizations, private businesses, and government which collaborate and co-invest as padnem in regional competitiveness. Economic · Establish regional competitiveness as the overriding goaJ · Establish a cabinet-level inter-agency council to for federal economic and community development policy, coordinate federal community and economic development ° Review all federal policies and regulations for their activities and implement a program consolidation plan. impacts on the sustainability and competitiveness of This council should identify best practices and report economic regions, annually on federal goals, investments, and results. · Require long-term, innovation-based, regional economic · Consolidate federal community and economic and community development strategies as a prerequisite development programs to eliminate overlap and for follow-on federal assistance, duplication of multiple'agencies and programs providing · Provide significant funding of technical assistance to similar types of assistance. regions for the formulation of innovation-based regional · Recognize emerging, self-defined economic regional economic development strategies, boundaries and harmonize federal economic and · Coordinate and consolidate workforce development community development regional designations across programs with economic development initiatives to drive federal agencies to make them consistent. innovation-based economic growth. · · Develop robust analytical tools and metrics to help · Direct federal economic and CommunitY:development regions identify competiUve advantages, formulate resources to encourage communities to form regional strategies, track progress toward goals~ and report on partnerships and governance models primarily based on performance and outcomes. economic relationships, not political boundaries. · ReqUire and reward co-investments from nonfederal · Promote private-public partnerships for regional funders, but allow exceptions to this requirement where development that include educational and research circumstances of high distress make co-investments institutions, national laboratories, labor organizations, impossible. Implement a sliding scale for co-investments private businesses, and governmenL which collaborate for different types of economic and community and co-invest as partners in regional compeUtiveness, development activities. · Allow subregional organizations to apply for and directly receive federal assistance as long as the funding requests are consistent with the long-term regional economic and community development strategy. ° Create effective forums for propagation and sharing of best practices in economic and community development. ° Partner - in the spirit of better governance on a national level - with educational institutions and non profit associations to provide policy makers and practitioners continuing education and capacity building under the new Initiative. s u ,~ M £ R 2 o o 5 Economic Development America The Committee's Charoe and Process On February 9, 2005, the President's Domestic Policy Council requested the Secretary of Commerce (the "Secretary") to form the Strengthening America's Communities Advisory Committee (the "Committee"). The objectives and duties of the Committee are to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary, and to develop a comprehensive written report of policy parameters to assist in implementing the President's Strengthening America's Communities Initiative (the "Initiative"). This includes advising on its legislation and regulations, and Committee members were appointed to serve for a two- providing other guidance. The Committee has been asked to yeai period, and the Committee was asked to submit an ini- advise on all aspects of the envisioned Initiative, including tial report to the Secretary in early summer 2005. policy findings and declarations, eligibility, program delivery, The Committee held its first meeting in Fresno, monitoring, and performance measures. California, on April 15, 2005. Additional meetings were held Appointments to the Committee were completed in April in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 13, 2005, and in 2005. The membership of the Committee represents diverse Clearwater, Florida, on June 2, 2005. Between the public backgrounds and geographic regions. The Committee meetings of the Committee, the members held administra- includes individuals working within the private sector, state tive briefings and work sessions of subcommittees. Reports and local officials, and individuals frmn community-based from subcommittees to the full Committee were made at the and research organizations. Within the membership are indi- Kansas City meeting and were submitted prior to the June 2, viduals with expertise in global, national, and regional eco- 2005 meeting in Clearwater. At a teleconference meeting on nomic competitiveness, rural and urban economic develop- June 27, 2005, the Committee conducted a final review of ment, and social and community development, this report and authorized its submission to the Secretary. Meeting notices, agendas, and transcripts of the Committee's meetings are posted on the Department of Commerce website at www. commerce.go% where there is a link to all the public postings for the Initiative. ~pert Testimon~ The Committee was fortunate to have presentations from outside experts at the meetings in Kansas City and Clearwater. Their knowledge and perspectives stimulated dis- cussion and contributed significantly to the development of the policy recommendations of this report. · Dr. Brian Dabson, Associate Director of the Rural Policy Research Institute of the University of Missouri, presented perspectives on how entrepreneurship works to energize and evolve regional economies, and what federal policy can and cannot do to help. While he focused his remarks on rural America, Dr. Dabson emphasized that many of the principles presented were relevant to all regions across the urban-rural continuum. 'Jr 'Jr 'Jr 8 Economic Development America s u M M ~ R 2 0 0 S Tourism, Trade and Economic Development for the State , of Florida, presented perspectives on federal policy as it relates to state community and economic development efforts. She discussed specific experiences in Florida's eC{~ ~}~ ~'iC~ ga" disaster recovery efforts following the 2004 hurricanes. · Dr. GeoffreyJ.D. Hewings, Professor at the University of ~"trina' ~ ~y t{~ addr{~ssi~g Illinois at Urbana, shared his perspectives on critical 8ty trends in regional economic development. He discussed key issues for consideration that concerned the federal government's role in facilitating community and regional economic growth. · Ms. Iulie Meier Wright, President of the San Diego ~ ~ Economic DevelopmentCommission, offered remarks on ~ f~e~ ~i~i~ iN p~ bringing innovation into local and regional economies. She specifically cited the experiences of San Diego as it transitioned from a community heavily influenced by separated arents, the U.S. military presence. Her discussion included the exploitation of university resources to create and evolve a %,~h knowledge-driveneconomy, and how this can inform ~d ~ ~h~ ~ federal policy for application elsewhere in the nation, especially communities and regions not currently com- petitiveintheglobaleconomy, a t ior hysically disable[i, Oral and Written Comments At the Kansas City meeting and again at the Clearwater The Committee believes that the concerns raised in pub- meeting, the Committee provided an opportunity for public lic and written comments may be alleviated when more oral comments. In addition, the submission of written eom- details of the Initiative are known. Meanwhile, all comments meats has been encouraged. All written comments received received by the Committee have been duly noted and are also have been forwarded to the Committee members for addi- being forwarded to the Secretary for the administration's tional review and consideration in the report development consideration. process. It is important to acknowledge that a number of the pub- Description of the President's Strengthening America's Itc and written comments to the Committee expressed con- Communities Initiative cerns about the Strengthening America's Communities The Strengthening America's Communities Initiative, for Initiative. The most common concern was about consolida- which the Committee was formed, was included in the feder- tion of existing programs and the possibility that this might al Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 budget proposal submitted to cause a reduction in funding or a total loss of funding for Congress by President George W. Bush in February 2005. current program recipients. While the Committee was not The Initiative calls for the consolidation of 18 existing com- charged with making recommendations on which programs munity and economic development programs to simplify should be consolidated or on levels of program funding, access to the federal system and to create a more efficient and these concerns were inherently and explicitly taken into con- responsive delivery system. The Initiative proposes more flex- sideration, ibility and stronger accountability measures than currently Among the Committee's concerns was the need to exist in many of the programs identified for consolidation. In address the strengthening of families in our distressed com- addition, the Initiative proposes that federal economic and munities. The Committee recognizes that strengthening a community development funds be better targeted to com- community economically can contribute significantly to munities most in need of assistance. addressing the needs of the residents of those communities, The Initiative contemplates improved formulas for deter- such as families living in poverty, separated parents, the eld- mining eligibility for need-based federal assistance. A bonus cry, and those who are mentally and/or physically disabled, feature has also been proposed for the Initiative, whereby A nearby job with a sustainable wage, increased capacity of a low-income communities facing economic challenges can be community to provide social services, and the ability to have awarded additional support under an Economic access to high-quality day care are benefits that can make a Development Challenge Fund. To qualify for this bonus, a difference in the quality of life for the neediest members of community must show that it has taken steps to improve those communities and set them on the path from poverty to economic conditions and must demonstrate readiness for prosperity. The Committee's recommendation to target development. resources to communities of greatest need couples this key concern with a potential solution. A Challenge for the 21 Century The Transformative Impact of Globalization Globalization is the widening, intensifying, accelerating, and expand- ing impact of worldwide interconnectedness. Globalization has funda- mentally changed economic development for regions, communities, and nations. Regions are now competing globally in a fierce race for talent, capital, and high-value investment across the globe. As a result, the drivers of economic growth are also changing efforts L_ and, indeed, beyond state lines. Every region of the dramatically and swiftly. The intensity of global and regional United States must craft a regional economic and communi- competition and connectivity throughout the world will ty development strategy to build and sustain a competitive increase rapidly in the coming years, edge in a rapidly changing global marketplace. Yet, while the drivers of economic growth have changed, Recognizing that every region is inextricably linked to our nation continues with policies, organizational structures, this global economy, regions must now harness comparative and investment strategies built for an economic era that is adw~ntage and create new value. Distinct economic assets gone. It is time to align our federal economic and communi- will drive this strategy, as will recognition of the market ty development policy with the new paradigm for regional niches that a region can tap in building new and transforma- economic growth and competitiveness. Federal policy must tional value propositions. recognize that growth is likely to be driven at the regional There are two keys to success in economic development level, beyond the local jurisdictions that have prescribed past in this era of globalization: The first is fueling the engines of entrepreneurship, which focuses on the ability of firms and individuals to take fresh ideas to the marketplace swiftly and to transform them into new products, new services, and new business models. According to the Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurship "flourishes in more dynamic and technologically sophisticat- ed industries" and is "associated with products and services in the introductory stage of their life cycle," unlikely to be found "where there are low barriers to entry.''~ One of our nation's greatest economic assets is its entrepreneurial spirit and tangible success. Our risk-taking spirit is at the heart of our regional prosperity. There are hundreds of diverse examples of how entrepre- neurship has added new energ3, and economic growth to communities and entire regions across the nation. To cite a few: · In 1939, at a time when Stanford University engineering graduates typically left California to begin their careers in the East, Stanford classmates Bill Hewlett and Dave ~ HUD defines community development activities even more broadly, as those including "many different programs that provide assistance to a wide variety of grantees." ~'l~""~ 10 EconomicOevelopmentArnerica SUMMER 2005 Packard founded Hewlett Packard. The company's first Every region's competitive edge in the 21" century will be product, built in a PaiD Alto garage, was an audio different. Therefore, federal policy must be far more flexible oscillator -- an electronic test instrument used by sound in accommodating a wide spectrum of development strate- engineers. One of the first customers was Walt Disney gies. Indeed, it must be agile, it must be multidisciplinar); Studios, which purchased eight oscillators to develop and and it must fuse a whole host of capabilities with a strategic test an innovative sound system for the movie Fantasia. goal of focusing on the future -- not on sustaining the past. The company's success led to the formation of a micro- electronics cluster that further evolved into the diverse A Definition in Flux technology region called Silicon Valley. What is economic development? What is community devel- · In the 1950s, Herman I. Russell and his father started a opment? What did these terms mean in 19407 In 19607 Do construction company based on their background in the we understand them differently today? Have the terms plaster business. Today, the Atlanta-based company has become interchangeable? 650 employees and projects that span the country. The Economists and social scientists agree that these ques- company is among the nation's top ten minority-owned tions are more easily asked than answered, but most would businesses, according to Black Enterprise magazine, permit broadly defining economic development as "a process · In 1959, a Missouri family of local entrepreneurs started that influences growth and restructuring of an economy to an entertainment business in the basement of Branson enhance the economic well being of a commumty. When City Hall, where they set up 50 folding chairs and put on compared with a general definition of community develop- a show. The family's persistence at this new commercial merit -- "activities that increase the positive outcomes possi- endeavor became the basis for an entire entertainment ble within a community by linking individuals and organiza- duster. Today, Branson touts itself as ranking fifth on the tions working toward common ends''~ -- the overlap is obvi- list of America's favorite vacation destinations, ous. Most activities traditionally considered to be "commu- · In 1998, two recent graduates of North Dakota State mty development (housmg, homeless assistance, revitaliza- University formed that state's first biotechnology tion, etc.), when successful, certainly contribute to the "eco- company. Aldevron, headquartered in Fargo, has grown to nomic well being of a community." And, conversely, increas- 50 employees and recently received a $2.4 million ing the economic strength of a community creates new civic contract for vaccine development, resources to address a wide range of community conditions. The second key to regional success is promoting and har- It also unleashes the power of the marketplace to combat conditions of poverty and distress. nessing innovation. Building a region's capacity to adapt to and create new technologies and opportunities is the under- In preparing recommendations for this report, the lying business strategy for competitive advantage. For exam- Committee considered the interconnectedness of community ple, regional innovation has allowed a large section of North development and economic development, as well as changes Carolina to be transformed from a low-wage, tobacco-based in economics, technology, demographics, and institutions economy into the high-wage Research Triangle. It has over the past half-century. It is important to note that for the allowed San Diego to evolve from a military-dominated purposes of this report, discussion of federal economic community into one of the world's top clusters of biotech- development policy and programs is inclusive of community nology. These transformations largely occurred over the last development. 25 years. The federal government plays three major roles in eco- Our nation cannot compete globally on a low-wage strat- nomic and community development: undertaking policies to egy and hope to improve economic conditions and increase affect broad national economic objectives; administering living standards for our citizens. We must be able to create programs and policies that have economic consequences, but and deliver the high-value products and services that corn- whose ostensible purposes are not economic (e.g., defense, mand a premium in the global marketplace. This dynamic transportation, environmental protection); and administer- innovation process begins at the regional level. A National lng programs with the explicit goal of improving economic Innovation Agenda was proposed by the Council on conditions in states, regions, and communities.~ It is worth- Competitiveness in December of 2004. That agenda outlines while to note that one size does not fit all; communities dif- how the ingredients of innovation (talent, investment, and fer widely in their geographic and political strengths and infrastructure) can be the foundation for fostering new inno- weaknesses. Consequently, each faces a unique set of eco- vation "hot spots" in regions across the United States. nomic and community development challenges. s u M M E R 2 0 0 5 Economic Development America Industrial recruiting -- ()hen called smokestack d~asing -- prevailed from the 1950s through the early 1980s, and is best characterized by communities' efforts to entice manu- facturers and other large-scale businesses lo set up shop. Industrial recruitment and industrial park construction were standard strategies aimed at building a region's export base. Deregulation in the 1980s spurred the second era, cost cut- ting, which witnessed firms (especially large industrial firms) cutting costs to remain competitive. Market-oriented strate- gies and privatization were encouraged, and the perceived keys to success were abundant and cheap factors of produc- tion fe.g., land and labor). A key economic development pol- icy shift occurred at this time, as active government involve- ment became the responsibility of states and localities. Globalization of markets for goods, services, capital, and labor accelerated in the 1990s and proved to be the undoing of both industrial recruiting and cost cutting. Regions were forced to move away from old industries and to search for new market opportunities, thereby ushering in our current era of regional competitiveness. This represents a fundamen- tal change from previous eras: regional competition relies on innovation and entrepreneurship as the main drivers of growth and prosperity.'" It also emphasizes the importance of every region finding a specialty niche or niches. Clusters are one way of expressing this niche. In the past, such clusters often represented an entire industry locating in one place. Examples include the 19~ century shoe factories of New England. Regional niches today often include clusters, but they are often more complex. For instance, the automotive industry is still heavily concentrated in the Midwest, but the industry is spread across a much wider geography. Many Evolution of Economic Develol~ment in the United States auto parts now cross three state lines before final assembly. The United States has a strong legacy of responding to the Thus, the dynamics of regional niches need to be better economic needs of the nation, its communities, and regions, understood by both policy, makers and economic develop- The great majority of economic development programs -- ment practitioners. despite the changing political and economic climate -- have While "chasing smokestacks" may be an approach that remained surprisingly resilient and adaptive, and have can no longer be effective for most regions, there are always accordingly received general bipartisan support." Indeed, a notable exceptions. If attraction and recruitment of outside review of what works is instructive in conceiving future poll- assets or investment focuses on creation of high-value tech- cy, but perhaps even more so are periods characterized by nology products and services and advanced manufacturing imbalances of need and available assistance, poor program activity, economic development benefits can accrue. For management and implementation, other inefficiencies, and example, the North Carolina Research Triangle Park develop- how legislation responded, ment was energized by the early-on recruitment of IBM as an auchor for a micro-electronics cluster, and the recruit- Eras of Economic Thinking ment of an Amgen manufacturing operation and R&D unit to Colorado's Front Range in the 1990s paved the way for the Keeping the goal of applying lessons learned at the forefront, growth of a biotechnology cluster in that region. However, the Committee found it most enlightening to think of our nation's econonric development history-- as far back as the diversion of major resources from a broad-based regional innovation strategy to a marketing and recruitment program Roosevelt's New Deal -- in terms of eras of economic think- can hold back a region's ability to build indigenous capacity lng. There are three such eras: Smokestack Chasing, Cost and execute a robust, innovation-based growth strategy. Cutting, and Regional Competitiveness.~ These represent broad development strategies employed by federal policy, Economists and policy makers recognize that this change and by states and their communities, to realize consistent in strategy requires time for transition, as well as training. An economic growth and improvement of living standards for important part of adapting to the changes brought on by all citizens. Figure 2 goes further in defining these eras regional competitiveness is the need to educate and traiu the according to key drivers, strategies, and keys to success, elected officials, economic development leaders, and profes- sionals who formulate and implement growth strategies in the states, regions, and communities across America. '3~ ~ 12 Economic Development America s u M M [ ~ 2 0 0 5 A Historical Perspective Advising on the federal government's role in 21'~ century eco- nomic and community development requires understanding major characteristics of the eras discussed above, and how federal programs have historically been employed to foster growth within each. This section provides the necessary his- torical perspective. (See Figure 3 for a timeline of federal programs implemented after 1920.) From the 19'h century, individual states took the lead on eco- nomic development projects -- building canals and high- ways or chartering banks -- while the federal government played an indirect role, creating land-grant universities, pro- viding subsidies for railroad building, and so forth. It wasn't until the New Deal of the 1930s that the federal government played a direct role in providing economic development assistance to states or local authorities through grants in aid, such as the Public Housing Program. It is important to note, however, that the intellectual underpinning of current eco- nomic development programs flows from the concerns of post-World War II economic planners, who wanted to avoid the economic downturns that seemed invariably to affect the nation in the aftermath of military demobilization -- con- cerns reflected in the Full Employment Act of 1946. A major milestone for the federal government occurred with the passing of the Housing Act of 1949. This was the ed despite the federal investments, in part because of subur- first major piece of legislation aimed at unlocking economic banization of middle-class communities, facilitated by the value in urban land by rationalizing land use patterns interstate highway program, and impelled by continued through the use of eminent domain, and by providing funds immigration of poor people. These experiences led to the for planning, clearance, and infrastructure development, creation of anti-poverty programs, such as Model Cities, and Title I of the Housing Act, entitled "Slum Clearance and the dramatic expansion of federal funding for local social Community Development Renewal," created a competitive services and community development activities. grant program, managed through local redevelopment There was notable impetus at this time to distribute authorities, that required local planning and local matching funds more evenly through a distress-based formula, and to funds, provide greater local control of funding. This led to the cre- ation of the Community Development Block Grant Program 1950s to the 1980s (CDBG) in 1974. The transition to CDBG provided a "hold After World War II, and throughout the 1950s, federal legis- harmless" provision, which assured recipients of current cat- lation was progressively modified to allow greater program egorical federal programs the funding level needed for activi- flexibility, includh~g housing rehabilitation. By the end of the ties to be completed, followed by a phase-in of formula over 1960s, cities across the nation, because of their active urban several years. CDBG incorporated both the physical develop- renewal bureaucracies, were receiving disproportionately ment components of urban renewal and the community large shares of federal funds. The legacies of these projects -- development components of Model Cities/~ With minor in cities like New Haven, New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and modifications to increase flexibility of local funds, CDBG Boston -- still structure the physical fabric of these cities, remains largely the same program today, with eligibility based on factors of housing conditions, deterioration, pover- The 1960s saw President Kennedy's Area Redevelopment Act of 1961, the immediate predecessor of the Economic ty, and population, with less than 12 percent~ allocated to economic development. (The CDBG program formulas for Development Administration (EDA) and the Appalachian determining level of funding are now thought to need revi- Regional Commission (ARC), which contain many of the sion to better target funds to actual need. This matter is same program elements as did the urban renewal legislation, discussed in greater detail in the Committee's "findings" including competitive grants, local planning, and matching statements.) funds. Then in 1965, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was created. This decade, however, met In the 1970s, both HUD and EDA were given new corn- with mixed results in urban renewal. While there were suc- petitive grant programs to administer: the Urban cessful blight elimination actions, these efforts failed to revi- Development Action Grant Program (UDAG) and the Local talize many urban areas. Poverty and unemployment persist- Public Works Program, respectively. UDAG was essentially a s u Ivl M E R 2 0 0 5 Economk Development America 1.3 Jr Jr Jr Industrial Recruiting Regional Competitiveness 1950s to 1980s Early 1990s to Present ~e~i~ ~Co~omie~ N ,n & Entr~Pl i~'E t~rship I Strategies · Financial incentives to firms · Industry consolidation & I · Entrepreneurship · Industrial parks cost cutting I · Clusters · Deregulation I · Commercial research I Source: Mark Drabenstott, 2005 more flexible and competitive urban redevelopment program Most importantly, federal technology transfer authorities that allowed the concentration of resources in larger projects, allowed private sector companies to secure exclusive eom- with an economic development rather than a housing goal. mercial rights to intellectual property (IP) co-developed Local Public Works grew from a $2 billion to a $6 billion under CRADAS with national laboratories. In concert, feder- effort designed to reduce unemployment. Due to dramatic al laboratories could license laboratory-generated IP to U.S. changes that occurred in the economic and political land- corporations and start-up companies for both non-exclusive scape, both programs were eliminated in the next decade, and exclusive commercial fields of use. As a result, both uni- versities and national laboratories emerged as critical knowl- edge and technology nodes and incubators for innovation 1980s through the early 1990s and entrepreneurship across regions of the nation. By this time states had become the locus of innovative eco- ' Stanford University's license of the Boyer-Cohen Patent nomic programs. Shifting from a once-narrow focus on for genetic enginee.ring launched Genentech, and in parallel, industrial recruitment, states began implementing new, tech- global corporations such as Motorola, Kodak, Xerox, Intel, nology-based economic development programs, best repre- and Goodyear targeted a new era of strategic partnerships sented by Pennsylvania Governor Richard Thornburgh's Ben with national laboratory and university partners. This Franklin Partnership and Ohio Governor Dick Celeste's regional innovation and entrepreneurship was further fueled Thomas Edison Program. This family of programs promoted by strategic collaboration between university and national technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, linkages laboratories joined with industrial partners such as: Oak with universities, the use of nonprofit intermediaries, and Ridge National Laboratory, The University of Tennessee, Los manufacturing extension services. As other states launched Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore Laboratories at the pilot initiatives, the federal government assumed a catalytic University of California. Federal, state, and private resources role in stimulating a new generation of public-private part- invested in university and national laboratory research parks nerships in research and development, technology commer- to provide physical and business infrastructure to support cialization, and entrepreneurship. Among new public-private entrepreneurs and incubate new businesses across the partnerships, competitive federal grant programs were estab- lished, such as: The National Science Foundations; country: Engineering Research Centers (ERCs); The Department of Defense's Technology Reinvestment Program (TRP); and the 1990s to the Present Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Extension In the 1990s HUD was given a new discretionary program Program and Advanced Technology Program. These federal called Empowerment Zones, and EDA was also given greater programs co-invested with states and the private sector to responsibilities, primarily in defense conversion and disaster accelerate innovation activity, relief. Other agencies (DOE, USDA, EPA, and DoD) were Passage of the 1980 Bayh-Dole Act, and federal technolo- tasked with economic development programs and adopted gy transfer legislation in 1986 and 1989, enabled research the historic post-World War II model: strategic planning, universities and federal laboratories to become pivotal play- matching dollars, and discretionary grants. And in the late ers in the creation of new businesses and commercial deploy- 1990s, inspired by the enduring example of ARC, self-defined ment of federally-funded research. National laboratories and regions proposed the creation of similar entities, such as U.S. industry entered into cooperative research and develop- Alaska's Denali Commission and the Mississippi Delta ment agreements (CRADAS) to cost-share research and Commission. development and jointly perform next-generation research. ~ ~ 14 Economic DevelopmentAmerica s u M M E ~, 2 0 0 5 i Today the federal government administers a panoply of programs aimed at economic and community development. Just inventorying existing programs is a Herculean task, and because opinions vary on what this rubric includes, the tally remains indefinite. In 1996, the advisory panel for a study by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) found at least six dozen separate federal economic develop- ment programs, in 12 cabinet departments and independent agencies,x~ In 2005 the Center for the Study of Rural America (an arm of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City) con- ducted a comprehensive review of all federal programs "hav- ing a clear connection with economic development;' as it is broadly framed earlier in this report, including not only those aimed at infrastructure, but also those focusing on workforce training, technical assistance and technology transfer, and business development. Their total: 180 pro- grams across 19 government budget functions (as defined by the Office of Budget and Management), totaling $188 billion a year -- more than one out of every four federal dollars spent.~ In summary, programs have come and gone, with grant delivery mechanisms varying from formula-based grants to competitive grants, with many stages between. But there has been no fundamental change to policy or economic develop- ment strategy for four decades. Competing in a global econ- omy demands that policy makers understand a new geo- graphic scope and the predominant new drivers of growth: innovation and entrepreneurship at the regional level. The Strengthening America's Communities Initiative represents the first opportunity in a generation for the federal govern- ment to create new federal policy that supports the economic and community development challenges and opportunities of the 21~' century. $ U M M E It 2 0 0 5 Economic DevelopmentAmerica 15 'k 'Jr 'k 19205· Fish, Wildlife and Parks Programs on Indian · Road Maintenance/Indian Roads (1928) Lands (1921) · Economic, Social, and Political Development of the · Indian Loans/Economic Development (1921) Territories and the Freely Associated States (1929) 194Os ' Surp,us Prope y Utilization (1949) 196Os .Fa. Ownership Loans (1961) · Appalachian Area Development (1965) · Water and Waste Disposal Systems for · Grants for Public Works and Economic Development Rural Communities (1961) (1965) · Federal Transit Technical Assistance (1964) · Appalachian Local Access Roads (1965) · Federal Transit/Capital Investment Grants (1965) · Appalachian Local Development District · Appalachian State Research, Technical Assistance, Assistance (1965) and Demonstration Projects (1965) - Highway Planning and Construction (1966) · Economic Development Technical Assistance (1965) · Rural Housing Site Loans and Self-Help Housing · Economic Development/State and Local Economic Land Development Loans (1968) Development Planning (1965) I 9805 ,Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and · Community Economic Adjustment Planning Developmental Grants and Cooperative Agreements Assistance (1981) Program (1980) · Community Services Block Grant Discretionary · Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Awards {1981) Technology (1980) · CDBG/Special Purpose Grants/Technical Assistance · Public Housing Comprehensive Improvement Program (1983) Assistance Program (1981) · Capitalization Grants for State Revolving Funds (1987) · Joint Land Use Studies (1 gal) - Public Housing/Comprehensive Grant · Resource Conservation and Development (198t) Program (1988) · Growth Management Planning Assistance (t 981) · Historically Black Colleges and Universities (I 969) · Rural Development, Forestry, and Communities (198g) ~ Grants (1990) "COmmunity Base Reuse Plans (1994) · ~ Natio;~t Forest/D~ · COmmUnity EconOmic for Reductions'in Defense Industry Employm ~ Ownership Loans (1992) "~ ~ "k ]6 Economic Development America Findinos, Guidino Principles, and Recommendations Since first convening in Fresno, California, in April 2005, Committee members have spent many hours of careful research, deliberation, and dynamic discussion in formulating the recommendations in this report. Early on, the basic challenge of changing federal economic development policy and programs became abundantly clear: America's communities have wide-ranging strengths, natural resources, and differing needs. One size does not fit all. Considering the sweeping market Brin igc:Federal Policy into the 21" Centur~ changes brought on by globalization, this is perhaps truer today than ever before. But the Committee recognizes and Fi~l~lJlt~ strongly believes that America's diversity is one of its greatest The New Reality: Regions and enduring assets. The Committee recognized the seminal opportunity and Globalization is forcing regions throughout the nation to responsibility before it, namely to suggest changes to federal find new competitive niches in new and rapidly changing policy that will assist communities and regions across the markets. While the scope is global, the focus is turning increasingly to regions themselves, where hubs of new eco- nation in building prosperity. With that point of departure, nomic activity are forming. The greatest success is where the Committee's 17 members held three public meetings and partnerships have formed between public and private sectors many more subcommittee work-sessions to develop the rec- and among education institutions, research organizations, ommendations offered herein as a beginning roadmap for chambers of commerce, community development corpora- ensuring America's continued prosperity in the 21" century, tions, foundations, and other non-government entities, By the third and final public deliberation in Clearwater, across and within communities that constitute a region. three overarching themes had emerged, which constitute the policy framework for the Committee's guiding principles and Innovation and entrepreneurship are the drivers of wealth subsequent recommendations. These themes include: and prosperity. · The need for federal policy to recognize the growth of With increasing competition from across the globe, U.S. regions, with innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers industries can no longer rely on low-cost labor, access to raw of wealth creation and standard of living; materials, and low-value-added products and services to · The need to focus resources where need is greatest and in drive success. Instead, they must differentiate and create new areas demonstrating great potential for improvement; value to win. To succeed, U.S. firms -- both large and small and finally, -- need to be more productive than their global counterparts in the creation and marketing of complex products and · The need to rebalance federal assistance to be flexible and services. easily accessible, and tied to performance and results. Innovation and entrepreneurship are the twin engines for Each theme opens with an explanation of £mdings, or the current state, followed by a brief discussion of guiding prin- creation and global deployment of high-value products and ciples that emerged in the Committee's deliberations. The services. Through a continual focus on new and improved guiding principles, then, constitute the building platform for product development, U.S. industries can maintain their eco- the Committee's recommendations, nomic leadership and support high and rising wages. Innovation within existing firms, collaboration between development is tailored to the past century. With underpin- firms, and the creation of new companies offer the best way ning~; that were developed more than 40 years ago, federal to accomplish this goal. This means that federal policy must policy remains essentially unchanged in its basic orientation be tailored to assist regions as they work to improve their to the industrial era. Furthermore, there is no unifying put- environments for innovation, pose or goal behind the vast array of federal economic and community development programs; they exist as The development of workforce skills is a critical component "sto~ epipes" delinkcd from a prosperity strategy. qf regional economic prosperit),. Because the basis for economic growth has shifted from In an innovation-based econom); skilled human capital has indu,;trial recruiting and cost cutting to innovation-based become the most important form of capital. Knowledgeable regicnal economic development, federal policy must also be and skilled people and their ability to apply that knowledge refocused. Opportunities for economic advancement in the creatively constitute the engine of successful innovation. 2 I" century nra)' he greater than at any other time in our There has been a traditional divide between workforce devel- nation's history. However, if federal policy does not change, opment and economic development policies and practition- the cpportunity to transform weaker communities into ers. This divide must be bridged in order to benefit fully vibrent participants in growing regional economies will be from innovation-based economic growth strategies, lost. Higher education plays an increasingly key role in innova- New federal policy must reflect the latest understandings tion and economic competitiveness of regions, on h~w regional economies will survive and grow in the Long seen as an important tool for advancement of commu- coining decades, and where resources should be focused. In nities and regions, higher education must now become a full turn: this will inspire comrnunities and regions to put their own resources behind growth strategies that are freed from partner in formulating and implementing regional comped- thos{t of the industrialization era of the last century. tiveness strategies. This includes the entire higher education continuum. Great strides have been made by community and Figure 4 compares alternative policies for allocation of technical colleges since the early 1990s, as they have expand- resources to foster regional economic growth.~ The inverted ed their missions to help develop labor forces, and adapted pyra hid on the left shows most resources directed toward curriculums to offer a wide variety of innovative education recruitment of existing businesses from other locations. The and training programs and services to help rural cotnpanies pyra hid on the right reflects the effective policy for the 21~' modernize, become competitive, and grow.~ century, where most growth will come from a regional corn- These higher education assets must be assembled, aligned petittveness strategy that fosters and supports entrepreneur- with regional objectives, and managed closely with other iai at tivity and startups. In turn, communities will derive their economic strength by being active participants and regional assets in pursuit of unique opportunities, collaborators in formulating and acting upon a regional Current federal policy is tailored to another era. strat'-%D: As shown in the earlier, historical perspective, current federal policy for supporting community and regional economic Current Policy Policy for Regional Competitiveness Recruitment Recruitment Retention Retention Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurshi p Source: Brian Dabson, RUPRt "k ~ "k 18 Economic Development Amedca s u ,M ,xt E ~ 2 0 0 ~ ::i: '" ~!! i7' i ~,ii,' ~ !' Community development resources should be focused first on buildint; a regional competitiveness strategy. The The social purposes of federal investment are tied to the next step is to address critical needs in implementing this health of regional economies, strategy. Regions must build an infrastructure (intellectual, The future economic health of our nation's regions funda- digital, and phydcal) that cau be the basis for long-term sus- mentally affects the strength of communities within these tained growth. regions. It is important to grow vibrant regional economies Regional ecc nomic and community developmeut plan- to raise the prosperity level of its citizens. The purpose of ning should no longer be the sole province of government. federal funding should be to improve the standard of living The public and private sectors must now collaborate on for all citizens. In a globalizing economy this must happen plans and strategies for economic growth of communities through enhanced regional competitiveness and economic and regions. For effective regional governance, the federal strength. Federal assistance should have a regional focus -- government should encourage a system of simplified corn- not a sectoral focus -- to help regions gain the capacity to be pacts or other incentives to remove harriers and to encourage competitive in the global economy, multi-jurisdictional and inter-institutional regional coopera- tion. Higher education and research institutions should play WorkJbrce developnlent, comtnunity development, and eco- key roles in forming regional cooperative partnerships, as nomic development investment5 should be full), integrated their participation is critical to building knowledge-driven, into cotnmon strategies at the national, state, and regional innovatiou-based economies. levels. Economic development and workforce development institu- tions should work hand in hand to support regional prosper- ity. For example, traditional industries (e.g. manufacturing and retail) now require computer use by workers, knowledge of supply chah~ management, etc. Success requires that work- ers in these industries rise to the technological occasion; they need a workforce system that is tied to communities, that seeks to understand local employer's needs, and that bonds with local education institutions to help keep students competitive)'~ Regions must be based upon economic spheres of intercon- nected communilies, not on political boundaries. Economic regions are ideally self-defined geographic spheres of common economic interests, assets, and challenges, and they may include a mix of interdependent strong communi- ties and weaker communities and jurisdictions. In alt cases, critical mass is required to compete in a global economy. Regions should be defined to encompass a level of critical mass of population and economic interests that allow plan- ning and action on a regional economic agenda. What con- stitutes this minimum critical mass or scale of activity may vary widely across the urban and rural landscape of our nation. All regions should have a competitiveness strategy and the colhlborations to act upon iL Every region should identify distinguishing competitive advantages upon which its economy can grow in the 21'~ cen- tury. From this, every region should create a customized and flexible development strategy for competitiveness and eco- nomic growth. This strategy should encompass what is need- ed at the community and regional levels. Regions must find their niche by identifying and analyzing their unique region- al assets, whether they are human, capital, business, or infra- structure. SUMMER 2005 Economic Development Arnedca 19 'k'~'R performance. Also, commu- nity distress due to popula- tion shifts should be assessed, such as that occur- To succeed, regions must think and ring from rapid immigration act as regions, crossing jurisdictional into border regions or fi'om lines and spanning public and private sectors.~ Regional governance is the out-migration from rural method by which different entities regions. from the private and public Sectors In addition, sudden and come together and make decisions severe occurrences may hap- as a region. (See also Glossary of pen in a community that Terms.) presents a need for federal assistance. This could be a maior plant closure, a sud- den shift in a sector of the econmny in which a com- munity is heavily invested, a natural disaster, or a military site realignment or closing. Competitive grants pro~not'e per. forlnance and results. l~,[[l~_t,,(O~[L~~~,~[~§,,~,fl~[![l~[t,,ll_~!,~t,~ .................... Formula or entitlement fed- eral ~rants tend to be treated as line items of ongoing annual [Yi~i~gS revenues for supplementing local government budgets. As such, they are not typically seen as strategic "investments" in New formulas are needed, building a community's future strength, and there is less Significant amounts of federal community and economic accountability for performance and results. By comparison, development assistance are allocated with formulas that have competitively awarded grants require more focused strategic not changed over the years. This has resulted in inequitable planrdng and action formulation at the front end, as well as distributions of federal assistance based upon need. This greater accountability for performance and results. problem was clearly illustrated in the February 2005 report A current federal economic development program built "CDBG Formula Targeting to Community Development around competitive awards of grant assistance is the Public Need," prepared by the U.S. Department of Housing and Works Program of the Economic Development Administra- Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and tion (EDA). EDA has been recognized by governmental per- Research. The HUD report included an extensive analysis of formance analysts for its use of a matrix of measures in the distributions of CDBG funds relative to a community's need, form of a "balanced scorecard" to assess performance and with data showing that many high-need entitlement commu- results. nities are currently receiving less funding than low-need communities.~ In reviewing this problem with the current targeting for- xnulas, the Committee concluded that traditional indicators of community need (age of housing stock, population Targt~ting must r¢focus on need. growth, overcrowding, and unemployment) are not always The greatest amount of federal cmn~nunity and economic reliable. Current formulas do not fully represent the eco- development resources must be directed to those communi- nomic health of a community. One example is age of hous- ties and regions of greatest need. New factors need to be ing stock. With affluent populations returning to inner-city included in the analysis for determining eligibility and neighborhoods and older suburbs, one ~nust question the allocetion. reliability of age of housing as an indicator of poverty and To identify this potential, all communities should be pro- need. vided the resources and capacity-building assistance to Given the new emphasis on economic competitiveness as enga~.e in strategic planning for competitiveness and eco- a basis for assessing a community's strength or relative need nomic strengthening. As previously recommended, this for federal assistance, important indicators were found to be needs to occur as a collaborative regional process rather than missing from some current allocation formulas. Indicators or as an insular activity of an individual community. measures should include business formation, capital invest- ment (including venture investments), levels of entrepre- neurial activity; underemployment (in addition to unem- ployment), poverty rate, household income, and educational Jr Jr ~ 20 Economic Development Amer/ca s u M M [ R 2 0 0 ~ All communities should beco~ne development-ready, control of their own destinies. The Committee recognizes, All distressed communities should set a goal to achieve however, that distress levels are dynamic; communities will development-ready status, meaning that a community has move into and out of the program based on changing or taken steps to improve conditions in ways that have been emerging levels of distress. proven to develop and grow busiuesses and secure sustain- Private sector economic and community developmeut able investment. The specific steps to gaining this status will resources must be ]everaged by federal resources, with an differ, depending upon community needs and assets. It can increased role for educational, nonprofit, and other organiza- include activities such as creating business-friendly environ- tions. ments, improving schools and lifelong learning, upgrading skills, reducing regulatory barriers and costs, reducing vie- Distress and el~,ibility should not be a constant state for lent crime, and initiating programs to strengthen families, any cmnmunit? But, in all cases, it means: (1) communities joining regional Over time, cominunities should use federal assistance to efforts to develop a strategic plan for regional competitive- move up the scale of development readiness, with the goal of ness and economic growth, and (2) acting on this plan in attaining a level of improvement that removes the communi- collaboration with other public and private stakeholders, ty from eligibility under distress criteria. It should be recog- nized that over time communities may improve to the point Competitive challenge grants shotdd become the prevailing that they "graduate" from a state of need and distress. This form o. fassistance, should be celebrated and rewarded. As distressed communities become development ready, coin- Conversely, i~: is likely that events and circumstances will petitive challenge grants should become the prevailing model regularly canse r,ther communities to enter a state of need for federal assistance. Through a move toward competitive and distress. These circumstances could result from a major grants, the federal government can catalyze long-term, self- plant closure, a ,~udden shift in business patterns or markets, sustaining economic and community development through a major defense closure, contract cancellation, or a natural growth-oriented investments. Delivering assistance as invest- disaster. ments rather than entitlements stimulates an "earn it, keep it, grow it" approach. This will allow currently distressed com- munities and regions the opportunity to become less dependent upon federal grants over time -- and in greater 100% Formula Grants Percentage of federal funding Challenge Grants 0O/o 2006 2007 2008 2009 *:mtO 20'~ 20'~2 2(F¢3 20~4 .~0~5 2.01~ s u m M ~'~ ~ 2 o o 5 Economic DevelopmentAmerica 21 ~ 'R '~ Assming Flexibili!y~ Ac.countab.i.!!~' and !Ieee!ts Great inefficiencies exist in the accessing and delivery of federal resources. Federal cnmmunity and economic develo?ment assistance is spread across a multitude of programs and agencies. The exac: count depends on precise definitions and missions. What is certain is that multiple federal programs are funding similar activities, creating both added burdens for communi- ties needing access to assistance and added inefficiencies in resonrce delivery. ? recent analysis by the Center for Rural America at the Kansas City Federal Reserve found that federal assistance for corn munity and econmnic development is disbursed into approximately 180 programs with average annual federal outlays of $188 billion. In 2000 the Government Accountability, Office (then called the General Accounting Office) identified 10 agencies and 27 subagency units administering 73 programs related to economic development. These 73 programs can be used to fund one or more of six basic economic activities: Flanning and developing economic development s.rategies. · Constructing or renovating nonresidential buildings. Establishing business incuhators. · Constructing industrial parks. · Constructing or repairing roads and streets. Constructing water and sewer systems.'~ The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has reported that some of the key community and economic development programs are ineffective and fail to produce or document results and outcomes sufficient to justify the costs. While the Committee was not asked to review the effective- ness of any specific current federal program, including those noted in OMB's Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) anal~,sis, the Committee has found that access to federal eco- nomic development assistance is inefficient and cumbersome due to the wide variety or programs, regulations, and appli- cation processes. }or example, Florida's communities faced considerable chal enges accessing federal assistance, including the burdens of needing to understand the array of regulations, eligibility standards, application processes, and deadlines for federal programs. In the Florida example, inefficiency and confusion about the various channels of federal assistance became espe- ciall'f acute during the recovery efforts that followed the 2004 hurl icanes.~i~ Beyond Florida, much additional anecdotal information exists regarding the inefficiencies of muhiple federal commu- nity and economic development programs. Communities regularly find themselves weaving together pieces of federal assi,,tance from HUD Special hfitiatives, Economic Development Administration, USDA Rural Developmem, EPA and HUD brownfields programs, and so forth. Where multiple agencies are involved, there is often a need fi)r spc- ~ "~ ~ 22 Economic Development America $ u M M E R 2 0 0 5 cial interdepartmental agreements to identify a lead federal agency, and this requires negotiations on which agency's reg- ulations will take precedence. The premium exacted by these inefficiencies includes lost time, lost opportunities, and greater administrative costs for the federal government and applicant. In addition, there is great diff~culty in applying accountability and performance measures when multiple agencies, regulations, and program guidelines are involved. A consolidating and rebalancing of the federal role is needed. Access to federal assistance and application processes should be simplified by consolidating most programs and adminis- tering fl~em through a single agency. For reasons of accessi- bility, efficiency, and accountability, multiple federal agencies shoed not be administerNg duplicative programs. The &deral role in community and economic develop- ment should be reb~anced to be one of facilitator, with states and localities assuming increased ownership and accountability in identi~ing and investing ~ regional com- petitiveness. As part of this, a sharing of risks in economic and community development is important, so that the feder- al government is not the sole risk taker in community and regional efforts. Feder~ assistance should be part of a co- investment plan, with other parties (state and locM govern- ments and private sector organizations) bearing risks and accountability in achieving the outcomes. Increased accounmbility for pe~fonnance and results should appl), to both federal government and the recipients o f fed- eral assistance. Federal assistance for building strong communities should be flexible and easily accessible, and it must be tied to perform- ance and results with outcome-based metrics. Transparency and accountability should be the norms of effective governance, policy development, and program delivery. Success in economic and community development should not be measured by traditional industrial recruitment goals but on broader measures of economic competitiveness, innovation, regional cooperation, capit~ investment, new business formation, creation of higher-wage jobs, increased homeownership, reduced crime, improved performance of schools, reduced underemployment, and halted or reversed out-migration from regions currently experiencing severe population toss. s u M M E ~ 2 0 0 5 Economic Development America 23 '~' "~ ~ The concepts and principles included in this report are already However, CANAMEX is more than a line Central Arizona College to assist families in becoming appearing across the United States. They include aIIiances that on a map or a specific highway because first-time homeowners under a sweat-equity program. cross jurisdictional lines, public-private collaborations, and uni- people and products may enter or leave The program allows an equity infusion of approximately · the CANAMEX at any point Plans call $20,000 for first-time homebuyers while teaching mar- versifies acting as full partners to create competitive regional for integrated development of the entire ketable skills in construction. In the last five years, near- economies. This report, cites just a few examples· The CANAMEX corridor to provide extensive ly 20 percent of the program participants have moved Committee is aware of many more, and it commends all efforts benefits to the region· from Iow-wage service sector jobs to better paying tO strengthen communities and regions for the opportunities of construction positions with benefit~ Since 1987 Casa a giobal marketplace. Washington-Idaho cross-border col* Grande has assisted more than 400 families through laboration sets a regional strategy for this program, giving it the capacity to begin assisting in A regional approach to job creation in central economic growth, neighboring jurisdictions, California shows early results. Five years ago, five chambers of commerce in the Private sector executives, the mayors of Fresno, Clovis, Inland Northwest Region formed the Regional An aggressive regional strategy In northeast Ohio and the Chair of the Fresno County Board of Chambers Alliance, The collaboration has increased is based upon an innovation agenda. Supervisors joined forces in 2003 to create the their clout and effectiveness on an agenda affecting Northeast Ohio's technology community has formed Regional Jobs Initiative (RJI) to transform fundamentally economic growth, transpodation, water resources, and NorTech to focus on business development efforts. the Fresno/Medera regional approach to economic higher education. The area's five universities have also NorTech took up the innovation challenge, concentrat- development. Focusing on improving the region's cli- joined in an effort to work with the~ region's business lng its efforts on the talent, investment, and mate for innovation, business creation, expansion, and community on a common economic development agen- infrastructure needs of the region in bioscience, retention, RJI includes nine industry clusters (water dee The Regional Chambers Alliance consists of three information technology, electronics, nanotechnology, technolog~ food processing, information processing, chambers in Eastern Washington and two in Northern polymers, and advanced materials, etc), and has an initial goal of creating 30,000 new Idaho. NorTech has spurred the development of BioEnterprise, jobs within the first five years. By the end of its first whose efforts have resulted in 40 companies receiving year, RJI generated 3,800 direct jobs in the nine clus- In North Dakota, the vision of a U.S./Canada $154 million in investment capital since 2003. It also ters, and many indirect jobs, By April 2005, Fresno research corridor takes shape, launched JumpStart to help accelerate the growth of Counys unemployment had dropped below double-dig- A new partnership of North Dakota State University and early-stage ideas and businesses into venture-ready its for the first time in 15 years during the month of the University of North Dakota is creating a cluster of companies. JumpStart has invested $1.9 million in Apdl. 91 st century, knowledge-driven industries within the seven companies, with follow-on commitments totaling state's Red River Valley region. The two traditional aca- $8,7 million NorTech has also partnered with six uni- In Colorado, a university-industry-city collaboration demic dva[s are collaborating versifies to increase faculty builds a 21st century "life sciences cite', levels in electrical engineering The 1999 shutdown of Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, caused the sudden ross of and the city's largest employer and generator of economic computer activity The need of the University of Colorado for a science by new medical campus became the basis for strategy to 80 percent, co[ocate an academic medical center and a biotechno[- with a goal to ogy research park. The redevelopment, led by an quadruple authority chartered by the city and university, is recast- research funding by lng Aurora as a hub and focus for the life sciences 2009. In addition, industry in the Rocky Mountain region. The 4,000 jobs NorTech has led lost from the base closure have already been replaced development of with higher-wage, higher-pay positions in teaching, managerial talent and patient care, research, and private biotechnology R&D other resources to sup- activity The strategy at Fitzsimons goes beyond physi- cal redevelopment; it involves industry-university collab- through port the creation and the expansion of a region-wide oration, business incubation, entrepreneurial support, venture capital, and private developer investments, development of ultrabroadband network, Broad civic support has been a cdtical factor in the innovation centers and with significant invest- launch of this ambitious endeavor. The first new build- research parks in Grand Forks ment coming from pri- ing, Bioscience Park Center, opened within 15 months and Fargo, and through joint marketing of ~1~ ,ate companies. after the Army's departure; and by the start of 2005, research resources to pdvate indust~ The capital investments in the Fitzsimons redevelopment state's Centers of Excellence initiative is put- had already reached $2 billion and employment had ting additional resources into the mix to ensure reached 5,000. that North Dakota's institutions of higher edu- cation are better resourced to drive economic growth Five states join to pursue CANAMEX, an economic and prosperity. The public support and university collab- development initiative of broad regional scope, oration have inspired additional private-sector funding, technology startups and expansions, and new relation- / The CANAMEX Corridor Project is a joint project of ships with the nearby University of Manitoba. Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Montana, with the pti- University-industry specialties are forming in such areas mary objective of developing and implementing the as nanotechnology, aerospace, energy, sensors, and CANAMEX Corridor Plan. The Plan provides areas of collaboration by the states with the goals of stimulating polymers. investment and economic growth in the region and enhancing safety and efficiency within the conidor. A Two small communities in Arizona are increasing comprehensive and coordinated plan will ensure the homeownership and job skills through jurisdiction- al and educational partnerships. efficient allocation of resources along the corridor nec' essary to maximize the economic potential for the In 2005) the City of Casa Grande partnered with the United States, Canada, and Mexico. CANAMEX State of Arizona, Pinal Coun~ and the University of Arizona to help prepare a cohesive revitalization plan for includes transpodation, commerce, and communications the Colonia del Sol community in adjacent Pinal County. components. The transportation component calls for the development of a continuous four-lane roadway from Colonia del Sol is significantly lacking in health and Mexico through the U.S. CANAMEX states, into safety infrastructure and consists of primarily older Canada. mobile homes occupied by Iow-income residents. In addition to implementation capaci~ Casa Grande pro- vided its Mutual Self Help Housing Program, utilizing Economic Development America s u M M ]~ ~, 2005 In Wyoming the university's market research of ?,221 Air Force jobs, has provided a current job base and universities. The GRA also collaborates with cham- department is helping companies find opportunl- of 12,600 people and an economic impact of $2.5 bil- bars of commerce, trade associations, and civic groups ties in the global marketplace, lion/year upon the San Antonio economy. Kelly USA is to bdng its programs to all regions of the state. In its The State of W~oming's economic development budget operated by a development authority formed in 1996 first ten years the CRA has helped to lift Georgia from recognizes the importance of growing business from by the City of San Antonio. the lower or middle tier to the top tier of states on sew assets within the state. Only two percent of the eral measures of economic vitali~ V~,oming Business Council's budget is dedicated to Four states join to promote the Tennessee Valley out-of-state recruitment efforts, while 63 percent goes Corridor Jobs Initiative. Hartford and Springfield partner across state lines toward community development infrastructure needs A multi-state regional economic development initiative to advance a region's economy. such as water, sewer, and business parks through its is linking North Alabama, East Tennessee, Southeast In September 2000, political, business, and government Business Ready Community Program. Recognizing the Kentucky, and Southwest Virginia under an economic leaders of Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, importance of growing existing business, the state allo- competitiveness strategy. The corridor effort connects Massachusetts, signed a compact creating the cates 35 percent of its budget on retention and expan- and builds upon the science and technology assets of Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership. The goal is sion assistance for existing businesses, The Market communities and institutions within the Tennessee to advance the region's economy and quality of life. Research Center at the University of V~/oming provides Valley. The objective is to create and attract innovation- Separated by only 25 miles, the cities anchor a region basic research, marketing lists, business-to-business oriented businesses and to generate higher-wage jobs. with the second largest population in New England. contacts, competitive intelligence, demographics and The innovation assets of this regional corridor include The partnership helps market the region north and psychographics, GIS analysis and mapping, site selec- several research-oriented universities and the Oak south of the Connecticut-Massachusetts border along tion assistance, customer profiling, marketing material Ridge National Laboratory. This cross-border regional the I-91/Connecticut River Valley corridor. The group is evaluation, and original research. Staded in 2003, the collaboration has been in place for nearly a decade. The dedicated to increasing cooperative efforts to position Market Research Center has gained popularity each effort is coordinated through regional economic sum- and advance more effectively the economic progress year, growing from 55 clients in the first year to an esti- mits, guided by a board of civic, corporate and govern- and livability of an interstate region, which is home to mated 276 in 2005. The cost of the databases and mental leaders, and endorsed by the region's congres- 1.86 million people, a labor force of more than 1.1 mil- software used to provide this research is beyond the sional representatives, lion, 41,000 companies, 32 universities and colleges, means of most V~oming companies, but by leveraging and more than 120,000 students, The parthership's this cost across the entire state, the state is able to pro- latest project is the launch of an ' ntem here' campaign Delaware's Technology Park extends science- vide every Wyoming company with its own "in-house" to persuade more graduates of the region's universities market research department, linking activity in V~/oming based growth across a Mid-Atlantic region. The Delaware Technology Park (DTP), home to 42 to remain in the region by matching them up with local to global market opportunities, companies at the nexus of four states, is the result of a employers. Through an Intemet-based resource, the partnership forged by government, academia, and project also allows area employers to find the specific Universities collaborate with regional partners on a industry to foster new and emerging business in the talents within the internship candidate pool. scientific-entrepreneurial initiative in inner-city St. region. By clustering high-tach businesses and provid~ Louis. ing shared services and resources, DTP extends the Private industry, coremunity groups, and public Three St. Louis universities are collaborating in a reach of these businesses across the Mid-Atlantic support help Bridgeport metal manufacturers regional public-private partnership to create a scientific- region and around the world, increase competitiveness. entrepreneurial district in a blighted inner-city area. The In partnership with the Initiative for a Competitive inner nonprofit Center of Research, Technology & DTP operates in partnership with the Delaware Ci~, more than 200 Bridgeport, Connecticut, leaders Entrepreneurial Exchange (CORTEX) is a joint venture Biotechnology Institute (DBI). DTP/DBI has become a from indust~ community organizations, and the public of Washington Universi~ Saint Louis Universi~ the hub of activity for interaction between the academic sector developed a strategy that resulted in formation Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, the University of community and the growing industry cluster. And, under of the Metal Manufacturers' Education and Training Missouri-St" Louis, and the Missoud Botanical Garden. the leadership of DBI, a research and education infra- Alliance (META). M ETA has improved the efficiency of The City of St. Louis, the State of Missouri (the Missouri structure links DBI and five other institutions, allowing small local metal manufacturers (which together repre- Development Finance Board), Civic Progress, the St. an easy sharing of ideas, facilities, education programs, sent the second largest employer in Bridgeport) Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, and the faculty resources and student reentering opportunities, through joint purchasing, workforce training, and lean Coalition for Plant and Life Sciences are participating DTP/DBI enabled oear~y 12,000 new jobs in life sci- manufacturing. Among other results, META organized a with CORTEX in the construction of a $36 million, ence in 5)0 new companies between 1998 and 2005. lean manufacturing initiative, resulting in the training of 170,000-square-foot initial phase of R&D space. More than $200 million has been invested, and $250 679 incumbent workers and an increased overall profi- Additional support came from corporate and philan- million in grant funding has been awarded to DTP/DBI. clancy of 53 percent. thropic sources. The CORTEX partnership's vision is to expand the distdct into a 50-acre zone of innovation In Georgia, a corporata-university alliance capital- In Florida, a high-tech initiative has a 23-county and knowledge-driven activity, all of it benefiting from izes on research resources to build a vibrant, tech- reach - and the backing of a wealth of partners. the proximity and involvement of research and educa- nology-rich economy. Florida has established the Florida High Tach Corridor tional institutions. The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) was started by Council (FHTCC) to attracf~ retain, and grow high-tach corporate leaders who wanted to sea the state capital- industry and to help develop the supporting workforce In Texas, high-pay private-sector jobs land at Kelly ize on the extraordinary innowtion capacity of its public in a 23-county region served by the University of Air Force Base, tflanks to a locally driven joint-use and private research universities. They believed that Central Florida, University of South Florida, and partnership arrangement, business, these universities, and state govemmant University of Florida. FHTCC partners also include Kelly USA is a master-planned aviation, logistics, busi- could form a powerful alliance that would enhance the more than 20 local and regional economic development ness, and industrial center, previously home to the Air economic prosperity and quality of life of all Georgians. organizations and 15 community colleges in efforts to Logistics Center at Kelly Air Force Bas~ The center Their vision has become an internationally acclaimed facilitate applied research among the universities, col- has revitalized the base with existing facilities, and it has model for turning university research and development leges, and high-tach indusb7 partners. During its first brought significant opportunities and major employers into economic development eight years FHTCC provided more than $40 million to (e.g., Boeing and General Electric) to the south side of The CRA partners range from Georgia's top universities collaborations involving 215 companies and more than San Antonio. Kelly USA remains the home of tile 453rd and largest corporations to early-stage technology corn- 550 research projects. The companies have matched Air Force Reserve Squadron flying cargo aircraft and panies. Over the past ten years, more than 100 tach- FHTCC funding with more than $80 million, generating the 149th Air National Guard flying an F- 16 fighter nology startup companies have grown out of university a total of $120 million in applied research within the squadron. The USAF maintains control of the runways, research and have become CRA business partners, targeted industries ranging from aerospace to photon- taxiways, tower, navigational aids, and the airfield. 85 They are joined by dozens of established companies ics. The FHTCC also engages in strategic marketing to percent, or 7.6 million square feet, is leased to 65 ten- throughout the state, which have benefited from access cultivate technology clusters and is working to expand ants who have created 5,3?9 jobs with salades averag- to university research centers and laboratories and the workforoe skills development programs. ing more than $38,000 per year. This, plus the retention fostering of research relationships between industry Acknowledgements The Advisory Committee wishes to acknowledge the extensive support from the United States Department of Commerce. This support has allowed considerable work to be accomplished in a short period of time. Special appreciation is expressed to Acting Deputy Secretary David A. Sampson and Deputy Assistant Secretary David M. Bearden, as well as to the administrative team and support staff within the Department, most notably from the Economic Development Administration and the iDepartment's Office of General Counsel.. At the meetings in Kansas City and Clearwater, the The Advisory Committee further acknowledges the meet- Committee benefited from special presentations from a lng support provided by the City of Fresno, the Kauffmann number of outside speakers. These speakers traveled to the Foundation, and the City of Clearwater for its three meet- meetings on short notice, and they provided testimony that ings, induding special hosting and coordination from Fresno was most useful for the work and recommendations of the Mayor Alan Autry, Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Vice Advisory Committee. The Committee expresses its great President Dr. Mark Drabenstott, and former Mayor of appreciation to Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, Professor at the Clearwater Brian Aungst. University of Illinois at Urbana, to Dr. Pamella J. Dana, Finally, because the members of the Advisory Committee Director of the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and served as individuals, the organizations, businesses, agencies, Economic Development for the State of Florida, to Dr. Brian and governments with which they are associated contributed Dabson, Associate Director of the Rural Policy Research support staff resources and also accommodated the absence Institute of the University of Missouri, and to Julie Meier of Committee members for numerous meetings, subcommit~ Wright, President of the San Diego Economic Development tee sessions, and other work demands. These contributions Commission. from the members' organizations across the United States are The Advisory Committee also benefited from public also acknowledged. input during the course of its work on this report. It express- es its thanks to organizations and individuals who submitted written comments and also to those who traveled to the meetings in Kansas City and Clearwater to present oral com- ments at these meetings. ~ ~ ~6 Economic Development America s u M M £ R 2 0 0 5 Glossary of Terms The terms listed below appear in this report to describe findings and recommendations. They are presented and defined here as the Advisory Committee 'used them, which is in the context of local and regional community and economic devdopment. Capacity Building providers, and trade associations -- that provide specialized Mobilizing of individual and organizational assets from the training, education, information, research, and technical community and combining those assets with others to support. achieve community building goals.= Clusters represent critical masses of unusual competitive In its work for this report, the Advisory Committee con- success in particular fields. Clusters can be concentrated in sidered the special needs for capacity building in distressed one economic region or may spill across several regions. The communities and regions for convening civic, business, and success of the cluster depends on taking full advantage of the governmental partners and collaborators to formulate and distinct assets and knowledge of the places involved. The implement strategic plans and to access resources under the enduring competitive advantages of a region increasingly lie Strengthening America's Communities Initiative. In addition, in the things located within the region -- knowledge, rela- the Committee sees an important component of capacity tionships, and motivation -- that distant rivals cannot building to indude strengthening the skills of state, regional, match. Untangling the paradox of location in a global econo- and community economic development officials to allow my reveals a number of key insights about how companies them to facilitate regional governance models, strategic corn- continually create competitive advantage. What happens petitiveness strategies, partnerships, actions, performance, inside companies is important, but clusters reveal that the and accountability, immediate business environment outside companies plays a vital role as well. This role of locations has been long over- looked, despite striking evidence that innovation and Challenge Grants competitive success in so many fields are geographically Challenge grants are competitive grants available to commu- concentrated.'~ nities or regions that have adopted economic development strategies and taken action to encourage investment and Community Development business expansion. An Economic Development Challenge Fund is a specific component of the Strengthening America's Activities that increase positive outcomes within a communi- Communities Initiative that was proposed by President ty by linking individuals and organizations working toward George W. Bush as part of his FY 2006 budget request to common ends. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Congress. The initiative proposes a bonus grant program for Development more broadly defines community development low-income communities facing economic challenges that as being "many different programs that provide assistance to have already taken steps to improve economic conditions a wide variety of grantees:' (See the section of this report and demonstrate readiness for development, titled "A Definition in Flux" for an expanded discussion of the meanings and uses of the terms "community develop- ment'' and "economic development.") Clusters Clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected Competitive Grants companies and institutions in a particular field. Clusters encompass an array of linked industries and other entities Grants aWarded by means of a review of relative merits of important to competition. They include, for example, suppli- multiple proposals, whereby grant requests proposing activi- ers of specialized inputs such as compunents, machinery, and ties with greater impact and more certain outcomes are given services, and providers of specialized infrastructure. Clusters priority over requests where activities will have less impact also often extend downstream to channels and customers and less certain outcomes. Competitive grants typically and laterally to manufacturers of Complementary products, require matching funds and leveraging of nonfederal invest- and to companies in industries related by skills, technologies, ments and job creation. or common inputs. Finally, many clusters include govern- mental and other institutions -- such as universities, stan- dards-setting agencies, think tanks, vocational training s u M M E a 2 0 0 S Economic Development America 27 Competitiveness confronted with uncertainty, the entrepreneurial company A nation's ability to sustain and drive long-term productivity will take the risk, refusing to be paralyzed by the fear of fail- growth and maintain a rising standard of living for all its cit- ute. In short, entrepreneurially oriented firms are innovative, izens.~ proactive, and willing to risk.''~' Competitiveness is the way communities, states, and Entrepreneurs undertake a managerial role in their activi- regions will succeed in the 21" century global economy, ties, but routine management of an ongoing operation is not Achieving economic competitiveness requires engagement considered to be entrepreneurship. In this sense entrepre- and collaboration of networks of economic, environmental, neurial activity is fleeting. An individual may perform an and social assets to identify and utilize distinctive competi- entrepreneurial function in creating an organization, but later is relegated to the role of managing it without perform- tive advantages. In an era of globalization, economic compet- itiveness is more effectively pursued by regions of economic ing an entrepreneurial role. In this sense, many small-busi- spheres of common interest, ness owners would not be considered entrepreneurs. Finally, individuals within organizations (i.e., non-founders) can be classified as entrepreneurs because they pursue the exploita- Development-Ready Community tion of opportunities.~v A community that has taken steps to improve conditions to While many entrepreneurs undertake activities that do be more attractive for businesses and investment. These steps not have huge impacts on regional growth, dynamic entre- may be different for each individual community situation, preneurs in high-growth industries can drive economic but in all cases they should include joining in regional efforts growth. to identify competitive assets and participating in the devel- opment and implementation of a strategic plan for regional competitiveness and economic growth. Formtila Grants (See Entitlement Grants.) Distressed Community A community where indicators of economic standing show Globalization significant weakness. These indicators may include such fac- The process in which geographic distance becomes a factor tors as unemployment, underemployment, homeownership of diminishing importance in the establishment and mainte- rates, business formation rates, capital investment, changes in nance of cross-border economic, political, and socio-cultural assessed valuations, percentage of substandard housing, out- relations. Globalization can be thought of as the widening, migration and population loss now prevalent in some rural intensifying, speeding up, and growing impact of worldwide regions, and adverse impacts from rapid immigration preva- interconnectedness.~v lent in some border communities and regions. Innovation Economic Development The turning of new concepts into commercial success or Influencing growth and restructuring of an economy to widespread use. Innovation is not exclusively a technological enhance the economic well-being of a community, region, term and can occur more broadly across a region's economy. state, or nation and its citizens. Innovation can be spurred when research and educational institutions contribute to the development and diffusion of new knowledge, human talent, and technologies in a region. Entitlement Grants Ideally, interconnected institutions form a system whose per- Grants that are awarded by standardized formulas and not by formance is determined both by the individual performance the relative merits, impacts, or assurance of outcomes, of each institution, but also by how they interact with each Entitlement grants have been typically awarded on an ongo- other as elements of a collective system.~ ing basis with certifications for compliance with basic regula- tions and with no requirements for matching funds. Innovation-Based Economic Development Strategy An economic development strategy that reflects an under- Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Activity standing of the key role innovation plays in supporting CCD- The exploitation of opportunities that exist within a market, nomic growth. Such strategies would recognize that a region "Entrepreneurial companies continually bring new products and its firms compete in a global economy that is increasing- and services to market, and make dramatic rather than incre- ly driven by knowledge-based assets, rather than assets like mental changes when product modifications are required, access to raw materials or low-cost labor. Close synonyms Entrepreneurial companies initiate actions rather than wait would include "knowledge-based" or "tech-based" economic for the competition to make a move. They do not avoid com- development strategies. petitive dashes, and are often the first to introduce new products and services. They pursue riskier projects with higher returns and greater uncertainty. They believe that bold action is necessary to achieve lofty objectives. When Economic Development America s u M M £ ~ 2 0 0 5 Innovation Hot Spots Reginn Regions where institutions foster knowledge-transfer, collab- A geographic area, typically comprising multiple communi- oration, and support for entrepreneurial startups. Innovation ties and jurisdictions but sharing a common identity; a local- hot spots combine and accelerate the deployment of key ele- ized labor and trade market; and transportation and distri- ments of the innovation ecosystem by building on cutting- bution networks. The interdependencies within a region edge research, providing a training ground for next-genera- form the basis for its definition, as well as for the pursuit of tion innovators, creating a crossroads between researchers regional governance to increase regional competitiveness. and businesses, and linking innovators with early-state fund- ing and experienced innovation mentors.~ Regional Competitiveness A region's vigorous pursuit of a competitive edge in a rapidly Knowledge-Driven Economic Development changing global marketplace. Building and retaining this Employing a region's knowledge and educational resources edge involves three steps: (I) understanding the region's crit- to gain economic advantage in the global economy, ica/economic assets; (2) identifying the best market oppor- tunities for the region; and (3) crafting a strategy that Poverty exploits one to seize the other.'~' The most common method used to define poverty is income-based. A person is considered poor if his or her Regional Governance income level falls below some minimum level necessary to How a region thinks and acts as a region. meet basic needs. This minimum level is usually called the Regional governance is the method by which relations and "poverty line." What is necessary to satisfy basic needs varies interactions within regions are coordinated through a com- across time and societies. Therefore, poverty lines vary in bination of mechanisms and network-like structures involv- time and place, and each country uses lines that are appro- ing public and private actors. In economic development priate to its level of development, societal norms, and terms, governance relates to the development of goals, strate- values.~'~a In the United States, the federal government has a gies, capacities, and instruments to advance sustainable set of lines, or thresholds, that are compared with families' regional development.= resources to determine whether or not they are poor. The thresholds differ by the number of adults and children in a family and, for some family types, by the age of the family Strategic Plan for Economic Growth head. The resources are families' annual before-tax monetary A plan formulated from an analysis of a community's and income, region's distinct competitive assets/advantages, matching the exploitation of these assets/advantages to market opportuni- Public-Private Partnerships ties within the global economy. Cooperative ventures between the public and private sectors, built on the expertise of each partner that best meets clearly Underemployment defined public needs through the appropriate allocation of A condition where a portion of a community's or region's resources, risks, and rewards. The essence of a public-private population is employed but individuals are not earning partnership arrangement is the sharing of risks. Central to enough to maintain self-sufficiency. any successful public-private partnership initiative is the identification of risk associated with each component of the Unemployment project and the allocation of that risk factor to the public sector or the private sector, or perhaps involving a sharing of All persons who had no employment during a reference risk. Thus, the desired balance to ensure best value (for week, were available for work, except for temporary illness, money) is based on an allocation of risk factors to the partic- and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime ipants who are best able to manage those risks and thus rain- during the four-week period ending with the reference week. imize costs while improving performance. Persons who were waiting to be recalled to a job from which Best value is also enhanced by the social benefits (i.e., they had been laid off need not have been looking for work to be classified as unemployed. The rate of unemployment is educational or health) accrued through the ability to deliver the ratio of unemployed to the civilian labor force expressed programs earlier than otherwise might have been possible. The opportunity and ability to share resources with the pri- as a percent.=~ vate sector through a long-term relationship allow the gov- ernment to pursue initiatives that may not otherwise have been possible for several years, had a partnership arrange- ment not been achieved. Through an array of techniques, the private sector can apply its skills and resources to services that have traditional- ly been provided by the government.~ S U M M E R 2 0 0 5 Economic Development America Appendix A Advisory Committee Members Ms. Deborah L Wince-Smith (Chairperson) Dr. Mark R. Drabenstott President, Council on Competitiveness Director of the Center for the Study of Rural America, and Washington, DC Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Kansas City, MO Mr. Richard "Casey" Hoffman (Vice Chairperson) Deputy Attorne? General of Texas for Families and Mr. R0nald C. Flanar~ Children Executive Director of the Lenowisco Austin, TX Planning District Commission Duffield, VA Mr. Brian J. Aungst, Sr. Regional Director of Public Affairs, Bright House Networks Mr. Matt Kramer Clearwater, FL Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Hon. Alan Autry St. Paul, MN Mayor of the City of Fresno Fresno, CA MI'. Theodore E. Liu Director of the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Ms. Wanetta Ayers Honolulu, HI Executive Director, Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference Anchorage, AK Mr. James T. Martin Ms. Rosa E. Bruce Executive Director, United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. Director, City of Casa Grande Housing and Nashville, TN Neighborhood Revitalization Casa Grande, AZ Hon. Paul D. Pate Mayor of the City of Cedar Rapids Ms. Linda Butts Cedar Rapids, IA Director, Economic Development and Finance Division North Dakota Department of Commerce Dr. Phillip Singerman Bismarck, ND Executive Director, Maryland Technology Development Corporation Mr. Robert Michael "Mike" Duncan, Sr. Columbia, MD Chairman, Inez Deposit Bank, FSB and Big Sandy Regional Development Authority Ms. Dorothy A. Terrell Director, The Center for Rural Development President and CEO, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City Inez, KY Boston, MA Hon. James E. West Mayor of the City of Spokane Spokane, WA Economic Development America s u M M E R 2 0 0 5 Endnotes i Larry W. Cox and S. Michael Camp. Kaufman xvii Drabenstott, Abstracted. Foundation. "International Survey of Entrepreneurs, xviii Government Accountability Office, Economic Executive Report." 2001. Development: Multiple Federal Programs Fund Similar ii International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Economic Development Activities, 2000. www. iedconline.org. GAO/RCED/GGD-00-220. iii Humbolt Area Foundation. www. hafoundation.org, xix Public testimony of Pamella Dana, PhD, Director of iv Philip A. Singerman, PhD. "A Perspective on the the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic History of Federal Economic Development Programs." Development for the State of Florida. Clearwater, A paper presented to the Strengthening America's Florida. June 2, 2005. Communities Advisory Committee in Clearwater, xx Connecticut Assets Network. Florida. June 2005. xxi Michael E. Porter. Abstracted from "Clusters and the v Singerman. New Economics of Competition," Harvard Business vi Mark Drabenstott, "A Review of the Federal Role in Review. November/December 1998. Regional Economic Development," a special report, xxii Council On Competitiveness. Center for the Study of Rural America, Federal Reserve xxiii Larry W. Cox and S. Michael Camp. Kaufman. Bank of Kansa~ City, May 2005, xxiv Dale G. Meyer, Professor Emeriti in Entrepreneurship, www. kansascityfed.org/RuralCenter/RuralStudies/ Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado. FederalReview_RegDev_605.pdf. xxv Adapted from a statement by Dutch vii Drabenstott. academic/researcher Ruud Lubbers and from the viii Singerman. publication Global Transformations, Polity Press, UK, ix National Academy of Public Administration. "A Path to 1999. Smarter Economic Development: Reassessing the ' xxvi Adapted from a paper by the Center for Innovation Federal Role," November 1996. Studies (THECIS). x Interview with Deborah Wince-Smith, President, xxvii Council on Competitiveness. "Innovate America," 2005. Council on Competitiveness. June 6, 2005. xxviiiCoudouel et al. "Poverty Measurement and Analysis." xi National Academy of Public Administration. PRSP Sourcebook. World Bank, Washington D.C. 2002. xii Drabenstott. xxix The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships. xiii Government Accountability Office, Economic www. pppcouncil.ca Development:: Multiple Federal Programs Fund xxx Drabenstott. Similar Economic Development Activities, 2000. xxxi Marco Putz. Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL. GAO/RCED/GGD-00-220. Abstracted from a paper presented at the Regional xiv Regional Technology Strategies, Inc. Cultivating Studies Association International Conference, May Successful Rural Communities: Benchmark Practices at 2005. Community and Technical Colleges, 2001. xxxii U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. xv Brian Dabson, "The Meaning of Entrepreneurship," a www.bls.gov. presentation to the Texas Entrepreneurship Summit: Expanding Economic Opportunity, Austin, Texas, March 29, 2005. xvi Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Adminisration, U.S. Department of Labor. "Welcome Change." prog responding to natural dis~t~rs and ~36 billion in private investment. Economic Development Council [IEDC) research I and to learn more about membership, upcoming events [ Regi~ and other chal- and research. For more org matlon, visit wvav. narc. ~':'~ For back issues of Economic Develop~ ;,:~ about EDA's information resour link~,:~'~t:Tt~'~: ~tt°m leftOf :EDA!s home:page, ov. MINUTES PRELIMINARY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FORMAL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 EMMA J. HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Brooks, Ann Freerks, Beth Koppes, Wally Plahutnik MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Anciaux, Dean Shannon, Terry Smith STAFF PRESENT: Mitch Behr, Bob Miklo A. Call to Order Brooks called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. B. Public Discussion of Any Item not on the Agenda No discussion. C, Rezoning Item: REZ05-000'I2 Discussion of an application submitted by the City of Iowa City for a rezoning from Medium Density Single-Family (RS-8) to Planned Development Housing Overlay - Medium Density Single-Family (OPDH-8) for property located on Catskill Court within the East Hill Subdivision. Miklo said this item was on a previous agenda associated with the new zoning code. With the new zoning code, duplexes would not be allowed on interior lots in the RS-8 zone, so the proposed rezoning would allow the current pattern of development to continue on the last four lots in a 36-1ot subdivision. The lots slope steeply from a Iow point on Catskill Court to a high point at the backs of the lots. The slope constrains how buildings would be positioned, which would make it difficult to conform to RS-12 requirements in the new code. Therefore the proposal is to rezone to OPDH-8. The plan development allows relaxation of zoning standards. It would allow the last four lots to be built similarly to the other lots, though it would not affect the other lots in the neighborhood. City staff is recommending approval. Brooks asked what would be on file for the development plan. Miklo said that the ordinance would specify the dimensional setbacks from the front and sides, and state that duplexes would be allowed. The garage placement standards in the new code would be waived. It would basically be a description of the footprint for the buildings. No public discussion. MOTION: Koppes moved to approve rezoning item REZ05-00012, and Freerks seconded. No further discussion. The motion carried with a vote of 4-0. D. Consideration of the October 6, 2005 Meeting Minutes MOTION: Plahutnik moved to approve the minutes as submitted, and Freerks seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 4-0. E. Other Items Miklo said that next Council meeting on the new zoning code is a work session on October 31 at 2:00. It is not a joint meeting. Rather, staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission Chair and Council will discuss the code. There are other items on the agenda as well. The public hearing has been continued to November 1, and he anticipates it will be continued again to November 7. F. Adjournment MOTION: Koppes moved to adjourn, and Plahutnik seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. s:lpcdlminuteslp&zJ2005110-20-05 formal.doc Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission Attendance Record 20O5 FORMAL MEETING Term Name Expires 1/6 1/20 2/3 2/17 3/3 3/17 4/7 4/21 5/5 6/16 6/27 7/6 7/21 8/4 8/18 9/1 9/15 10/6 10/20 D. Anciaux 05/06 X X X X X O/E X X X X O/E X X O/E O/E X X X O/E B. Brooks 05/10 X X X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X A. Freerks 05/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X E. Koppes 05/07 O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X W Plahutnik 05/10 ................................ X X × X O/E O/E X X O/E X X D. Shannon 05/08 X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X O/E T. Smith 05/06 ................................ X X X X X X O/E X X X O/E INFORMAL MEETING Term Name Expires 1/3 2/14 2/28 3/14 4/4 4/18 5/2 6/13 7/18 8/1 8/15 8/29 9/12 10/20 D. Anciaux 05/06 CW X X O/E X X X X X O/E X X X O/E B. Brooks 05/10 CW X X X X X X X X X X X X X A. Freerks ' 05/08 CW X X X O/E X O/E X X X X O/E X X E. Koppes 05/07 CW X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X W Plahutnik 05/10 CW .................... O/E X O/E O/E X X X X D. Shannon 05/08 CW O/E O/E X X X X X X X X O O O/E T. Smith 05/06 ............................ X X X X X X O/E Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused N/M= No Meeting MINUTES PRELIMINARY IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT OCTOBEP, 12, 2005 EMMA J. HAP, VAT HALL - IOWA CITY, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Alexander, Vincent Maurer, Dennis Keitel, Karen Leigh, Michael Wright. STAFF PRESENT: Robert Miklo, Kristopher Ackerson (Planning Intern), Sarah Holecek OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Drea, Bruel Weins, Darren Spenler, Kathleen Nicholson CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Maurer called the meeting to order at 5:07. CONSIDERATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 MINUTES Wright said that on page 6 the address for Holly Hotchkiss is wrong. MOTION: Alexander moved to approve the minutes from July 14. Leigh seconded the motion. Motion passed 5:0. SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS: EXC05-00016 Discussion of an application submitted by David Drea for a special exception to reduce the front yard from 20 feet to 0 feet to allow paving a greater area than normally permitted in the Low Density Single-Family (RS-8) zone at 920 Webster Street/601 Walnut Street. Miklo said that the property contains two units, one of which is a duplex residence and the other a garage. He noted that since it is a corner lot, this property has two front yards--one on Webster Street and one on Walnut Street. Miklo said that the property is already nonconforming because the current setback is less than the 20-foot front yard setback required for the RS-8 zone. He said that the applicant recently paved the north-facing portion of his front yard along Walnut Street so that there is no green space between the curb and the property line. He noted that building inspectors discovered that the yard had been paved and notified the property owner of the violation. Miklo said that the applicant is seeking a special exception to allow a reduction in the front yard setback requirement from 20 feet to 0 feet in order to allow the paving of more than 50% of his yard to continue to exist. He noted that without the special exception the applicant will have to remove the portion of the paving that is located within 10 feet of the property line. He said that the area paved represents a total of 1040 square feet. Accordingly, 50% of the area is 709 square feet, so there is approximately 330 square feet above and beyond what is legally allowed to be paved. The provision allowing only 50% to be paved exists for a couple of reasons: aesthetics as well as visibility and safety for motorists. He noted that a special exception to modify yard requirements may be granted when the owner demonstrates the situation is peculiar to the property in question, there is practical difficulty in complying with the dimensional requirements of the zoning code, and the general standards for special exception can be met. He said that the specific proposed special exception should not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or welfare. Staff finds that the proposed special exception will diminish opportunities for landscaping in this residential area of the city. Moreover, the paved area is likely to reduce visibility for vehicles turning onto Walnut Street from the alley, as it will allow parking on this property to occur closer to the intersection of the alley and Walnut Street. The specific proposed exception would not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. Miklo said that allowing for more than 50% of this front yard to be paved detracts from the residential appearance of the neighborhood and results in less pervious surface to absorb storm water. Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 12, 2005 Page 2 The specific proposed exception would not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property. Miklo said approval of special exception will result in the property having a substantial amount of paving, which conflicts with the character of the residential neighborhood. Adequate measures would be taken to provide ingress or egress designed to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. Miklo stated that the proposed paved area will likely result in parking within the front yard adjacent to Walnut Street and therefore reduces visibility for vehicular traffic. The specific proposed exception, in all other respects, conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located. He noted the property is non-conforming in terms of the building setback, but this is grandfathered and is considered legally non-conforming. The proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City. Staff finds the plan in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommends that EXC05-00016 an application submitted by David Drea for a special exception to reduce the front yard from 20 feet to 0 feet to allow paving a greater area than normally permitted in the Low Density Single-Family (RS-5) zone at 920 Webster Street be denied. Maurer asked whether the Board has anything to do with the issue of removing the pavement. Miklo said that the Board has nothing to do with the removal of the pavement from the right of way which is city property. Alexander asked if the removal of the paving within the visual triangle would come close to the 50% requirement. Miklo said they would be pretty close, but that he did not have calculations. Wood asked if there is a driveway coming off on Walnut Street. Miklo said there is a driveway on that side that was installed with the paving. Wright asked whether the staff had discussed with the owners about the issue of vision triangle. Miklo said they did not cover that issue. Public Hearing Opened David Drea, 601 Walnut Street, said that he created the paving due to the issue of runoff. He said that the yard looks like dirt. He noted he had a garden there at one time, and a flower box, but cars kept running them down and destroying them. Drea noted that they will not park in the vision triangle. He said that the reason for having the flower box there was so that no one would run into the house. Drea said that another issue for paving was the parking issue; he wanted to provide more parking for the tenants of the duplex. Maurer asked how much traffic there is along the street, noting that the area does not look like a high traffic zone. Drea said there is a lot of traffic because people use the street as a shortcut to avoid all the stop signs on Kirkwood Avenue. Maurer asked where Drea would remove the paving if he was required to remove it. Drea said that he discussed sawing the paving to allow easy access if the City would ever need to work there. He noted that he would have a hard time growing the grass there again. Wood asked for more detail of the idea of sawing the pavement. Drea said they would make cuts in the pavement to create blocks that would be easily removed. Wright asked if they tend to park on the area paved. Drea said they did not park there. He said that a lot of drivers would cut the corner and drive onto the yard. Leigh asked if there was adequate parking prior to paving the area. Miklo said that the existing situation would not meet the parking requirements set by the code. Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 12, 2005 Page 3 Brad Weins 921 Webster Street, said that he is a former tenant of 920 Webster Street. He said there is not enough on-street parking in the area. He said that Drea allowed him to park his own car on the driveway when he could not find a place on the street. He said that aesthetically it looks fine. He noted the road curves like an S, and if there were cars coming from both sides, one of them would have to be in the left lane to hit another, because they are all suppose to stay on the right side of the road. He said he is in support of the application. Public Hearing Closed MOTION: Alexander made a motion that EXC05-00016 an application submitted by David Drea for a special exception to reduce the front yard from 20 feet to 0 feet to allow paving a greater area than normally permitted in the Low Density Single-Family (RS-5) zone at 920 Webster Street be approved subject to removal of the paving of the vision triangle which starts with the newly adding pavement. Wright seconded the motion. Alexander said that she drove by the property and understands the safety concern, the concern of being detrimental to or endangering the public health, safety, comfort or welfare. She said that she finds this to be a peculiar property, and understands the issues due to the curve. She said that since it would come close to meeting the 50% requirement of the code and the vision triangle is taken care of she will vote in favor of the motion. Wood will vote in favor of the motion. He said that there is a lot of paving for a residential area. He said that his vision was really blocked because there was a truck parked there, and the vision corner is a legitimate concern. Maurer would also vote in favor because it enhances the overall situation. He said that he would prefer to keep the entire pavement, but that is not an issue. Leigh would vote in favor. She said she thought it was a massive amount of concrete for a residential area. She said that it is a very unusual site. Wright would vote in favor. He said that the safety and ingress and egress issue were of concern to him. He noted that driving by the property he was lacking a visual cue that there was a curve in the road. He noted that he could envision how a parked car in the vision corner could be problematic for motorists. Motion passed 5:0. EXC05-000'I7 Discussion of an application submitted by TD Builders for a special exception to allow the expansion of an auto-and-truck-oriented use, a repair garage and car sales of up to 2 cars, and to reduce the required 20 foot front yard to 5 feet to allow parking spaces to be located within 50 feet of a residential zone for property located in the Community Commercial (CC-2) zone at 1010 Orchard Street. Kristopher Ackerson said that the owner of 1010 Orchard Street and the adjoining property to the south operates an automobile repair business on these properties, which are across the street from a Medium Density Single-Family (RS-8) zone. The CC-2 Zone permits auto- and truck-oriented uses by special exception, but provides no additional criteria or standards by which to review the location of such facilities. The requirement for a special exception was likely incorporated into the CC-2 regulations due to potential concerns regarding compatibility of the uses with adjacent properties, potential traffic and circulation problems, and aesthetic concerns with this type of use. Ackerson said that since the residential zoning boundary runs along the centerline of Orchard Street, which has a 65-foot right-of-way, the requested special exception would allow parking within 37.5 feet of a residential zone. The applicant seeks to reduce the front yard setback by 15 feet (from 20 feet to 5 feet) for a parking lot because the wide right-of-way width combined with the shallow depth of the properties leaves few options other than parking in the front yard. Based on these circumstances it appears parking in within 50 feet of a residential zone may be necessary to prevent overflow parking issues. Concerns regarding the potential negative effects of allowing commercial parking near a residential zone should be addressed through screening requirements. Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 12, 2005 Page 4 He noted that the proposed addition will increase the floor area of the auto- and truck-oriented use to 4,795 sq. ft., which will require a total of 13 spaces, and further conversion of the warehouse to auto- oriented use would increase parking requirements to 15 spaces. The original site plan submitted by the Applicant does not provide adequate screening between the commercial use and nearby residences. Staff has prepared a concept plan showing how the property could be configured to comply with pertinent site plan and zoning regulations, including street trees and screening of the commercial use. Prior to receiving a building permit the applicant will need to demonstrate that the required number of parking spaces will be provided on the site. Talking about the general standards, Ackerson said that the specific exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. He said that pedestrian access is a key priority for residents of the Southwest District and staff recommends pedestrian walkways be provided. By providing a sidewalk the applicant will extend the planned sidewalk underway along this entire block. The specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. He said that the proposal reduction of the front yard to allow parking within 50 feet of a residential zone will have potential negative effects on the neighboring residences. To be consistent with neighboring properties and to reduce negative effects of the proposed exception, staff recommends that landscaping be provided. Establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located. Staff finds that this project will not impede further development or redevelopment of surrounding property provided adequate parking and landscaping are provided. Ackerson said that adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided. Adequate public utilities are in place to serve the existing use of this property and the proposed expansion. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. He noted that the special exception will not change the current number of ingress egress points, nor will it significantly affect congestion on Orchard Street. Except for the specific regulation and standards applicable to the exception being considered, in all other respects the specific proposed exception conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located. Ackerson noted that the Code states that commercial uses must be screened from view from residential areas located across the street. In addition to providing a buffer between the auto and truck oriented use and a residential neighborhood, the effect of this vegetated screen will be to visually separate the vehicle use area from pedestrian use area and will prevent parked cars from overhanging onto sidewalk areas. He noted that public sidewalks are required within the street right-of- way. These must be installed prior to issuance of an occupancy permit for the proposed expansion. The proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City, as amended. Ackerson said that to comply with goals, in the area, set forth in the Southwest District Plan and the Comprehensive Plan, landscaping should be incorporated in the design before the granting of a special exception. Staff recommends that £XC05-00017, an application submitted by TD Builders for a special exception to allow the expansion of an auto-and-truck-oriented use, a repair garage and car sales of up to 2 cars, and to reduce the required 20 foot front yard to 5 feet to allow parking spaces to be located within 50 feet of a residential zone for property located in the Community Commercial (CC-2) zone at 1010 Orchard Street and the neighboring property to the South, be approved subject to a site plan that sufficiently screens the commercial use from neighboring residences, provides street trees along the right-of-way, provides a sidewalk and illustrates compliance with off-street parking requirements. Miklo said that he looked over the site plan submitted and that conceptually it seems to meet the requirements. However, before the building permit is issued city engineers will have to determine that the plan is in compliance with the requirements. Public Hearing Opened Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 12, 2005 Page 5 Darren Spenler, 3129 Deerfield Drive, Swisher Iowa, said that the business had evolved over time. He noted that the owner want to improve the lot and make it more aesthetically pleasant. He noted that it is difficult to push the cars into the bay because the driveway is very tight. Spenler said that they would like to make it as easy for the clients as possible. Wood asked if they see any increase in the traffic due to the proposed changes. Spenler said they do not expect a traffic increase. Kathleen Nicholson, 3122 Maplewood Lane, said that she and her husband both own the company. She said that they have done numerous improvements to make the property look better. Nicholson said that they do not like having the customer park on the gravel, especially when it gets muddy. She noted that they paved up to 20 feet, and planned on paving a little bit at a time as they could afford to in order to get it all accomplished. She noted they put barrels up to help them understand the requirements for parking, and found that the door to the office opens out, limiting the amount of space available there and that pushing the vehicle in at an angle to get them through the bay was problematic. She asked if there is anything that can be done to avoid using so much space for sidewalk and landscaping. She noted that it would not affect anyone negatively, and would not make it aesthetically worse, but would affect the business they would do. Miklo said that the only way of reducing the right of way would be if the city would vacate a portion of the right of way to allow more private use. Alexander noted that deciding that would not be within the Boards' powers. Miklo said that through the special exception there will be a reduction of front yard from 20 feet to 5 feet to allow for parking spaces. Public Hearing Closed MOTION: Leigh made a motion that £X005-00017, an application submitted by TD Builders for a special exception to allow the expansion of an auto-and-truck-oriented use, a repair garage and car sales of up to 2 cars, and to reduce the required 20 foot front yard to $ feet to allow parking spaces to be located within 50 feet of a residential zone for property located in the Community Commercial (¢C-2) zone at '10'10 Orchard Street and the neighboring property to the South, be approved subject to a site plan that sufficiently screens the commercial use from neighboring residences, provides street trees along the right-of-way, provides a sidewalk and illustrates compliance with off-street parking requirements. Wood seconded the motion. Wright would vote in favor of the special exception. He said that it meets all general standards. He said he appreciates that the site plan takes into account the issues of public health, safety and general welfare in terms of the sidewalk. He noted that it will not be injurious to the use of other properties in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. He noted that there is a fairly attractive plan that should alleviate any aesthetic concerns regarding the work done on the property. He said that the proposal could have some negative impacts, however the screening solves that issue. The specific proposed exception would not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property. Adequate measures would be taken to provide ingress or egress designed to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. He said that the proposal conforms with all other regulations and requirements, and is in accordance with the Southwest District Plan and the Comprehensive Plan of Iowa City. Leigh would also vote in favor. She said that it meets the general standards. Maurer would vote in favor for the reasons already stated. Alexander would vote in favor for the reasons already stated. Wood will vote in favor for the reasons already stated. Motion passed 5:0. Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 12, 2005 Page 6 OTHER: Alexander announced that she will not be able to attend the November meeting. Miklo introduced Sarah Walz who will join the planning department, and will represent the staff for the Board of Adjustment meetings. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:22PM. s : lpcdlmi nut eslboa12005110-12-O5, doc Board of Adjustment Attendance Record 2005 Term Name Expires 01/12 02/09 03/09 04/13 05/11 06/08 07/13 08/10 09/14 10/12 11/09 12/14 Carol Alexander 01/01/08 X X X NM X X X X X X Ned Wood 01/01/10 .... X X NM X X X O/E X X Karen Lei§h 01/01/07 X O/E X NM X X X X X X Vincent Maurer 01/01/06 X O/E X NM X X X X X X Michael Wright 01/01/09 X X X NM X X X X X X Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No Meeting ..... Not a Member 11-03-05 [ IP9 I MINUTES DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 12, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Craig Gustaveson, Judith Klink, Margaret Loomer, Ryan O'Leary, Matt Pacha, Jerry Raaz, Phil Reisetter, John Westefeld MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Terry Trueblood, Terry Robinson GUESTS PRESENT: Abbie Bolkcom-Smith, Ashly Overturf, Jeff Harper, Marcia Klingaman FORMAL ACTION TAKEN Phil Reisetter requested that the September 14, 2005 minutes be amended as follows: Page 2, paragraph 3, the word "feels" be changed to "fees." Moved by Westefeld7 seconded by Raaz to approve the September 147 2005 minutes as amended. Unanimous. Moved by Reisetter7 seconded by Pacha~ to approve the amended Memorial Donation Policy as written with the suggested changes or as originally written depending on the City Attorney's decision. Unanimous. Moved by Raaz~ seconded by Reisetter~ to encourage the developer to set aside a public corridor that connects to Scott Park or that the developer pay fees in lieu of land for the Windsor West Subdivision. 7-17 O'Leary voting no. Moved by Klink7 seconded by Raaz7 to postpone decision until more information is available as well as an update regarding the possibility of a school being built on land adjacent to this parcel in the Windsor Ridge Subdivision. Unanimous. Moved by Kiink~ seconded by Reisetter7 to defer decision until further information is available on the Country Club Estates subdivision. Unanimous. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED DISC GOLF COURSE: Jeff Harper distributed a preliminary design of a proposed disc golf course on the Peninsula to the Commission. This design takes into consideration the possible placement of walkways and the course will be designed accordingly. Loomer asked Harper to address the tree removal plan. Harper stated that small trees will be removed and he estimates that to be about 25 total trees. They will also be removing any dead trees, which will allow for better growth of the healthy trees. He stated that he is not opposed to planting new trees where space allows, i.e. hole #1. Trueblood reviewed in detail the exact location of this proposed course. Klink commented on the Parks and Recreation Commission October 12, 2005 Page 2 of 6 many enthusiastic supporters that have written to the commission. Marcia Klingaman, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, was also present to learn more about the proposed golf course and to also discuss with Commission the best means of getting information out to the Peninsula Neighborhood as well as to the general public regarding the proposed course. Klingaman asked Harper to discuss parking issues. Harper stated that on a clear evening during the week one could expect to see 60-80 vehicles parked near the course and between 100-120 on the weekend. However, he also stated that these numbers could be less due to the no alcohol ordinance on city property. It was decided to schedule a meeting where the Peninsula Neighborhood Association, as well as the general public, would be invited to attend. Klingaman will send out notices in the Peninsula Neighborhood Association newsletter, as well as a media release, and will also invite media to attend. Klingaman will check on the availability of space at Parkview Church for a meeting and will get back to the Commission with possible dates for this meeting. Harper asked the Commission if there were any other concerns that they would like him to address. Klink asked about the potential danger to walkers in the area. Harper stated that they make every attempt to design these courses away from trails. O'Leary then asked Harper what potential problems he sees with this project. Harper stated that the only problem usually presented is with erosion, however, this area presents a very minimal erosion problem due to the flatness of the property. He also stated that no tree would be removed unless deemed a hindrance to the flow of the course. Gustaveson sees this project as a welcomed amenity and stated that it provides for a multi-use park for the neighborhood with the Dog Park plans moving ahead etc. Harper asked Commission what he could expect as far as a timeline for the Commissions decision on this project. Trueblood stated that it is typical that the Commission would approve the project conceptually pending a final design. Once approval from the Commission is received, it is unlikely that the project would later be unapproved unless the design is not acceptable. Trueblood stated that it is possible that Commission could make a decision at the November meeting depending on the scheduling of the neighborhood meeting. PROPOSED MEMORIAL DONATION POLICY: Trueblood reviewed Draft #2 of the proposed "Memorial Donation Application & Policies." The following recommended revisions were made: Page 1 under "Purposes and Content, #2E: Change the word "or" to "nor" to read as follows: "Have the purpose nor primary effect of advancing or inhibiting religion... It was also suggested to eliminate the following portion of #2E under "Purposes and Content:" "or cause entanglement between the City and religion." Another addition suggested for page 2, paragraph 5: "Staff shall notify any interested or affected group, neighborhood or association for their public input." Parks and Recreation Commission October 12, 2005 Page 3 of 6 Trueblood met with the City Attorney and the City Manager, and requested that the angel statue issue be placed on the council agenda soon rather than wait 60 days as provided in the new policy. The angel will be discussed at the November 1, 2005 Council Meeting. Moved by Reisetter~ seconded by Pacha~ to approve the amended Memorial Donation Policy as written with the suggested changes or as originally written depending on the City Attorney's decision. Unanimous. CONSIDER NEIGHORHOOD OPEN SPACE ISSUES: A. Country Club Estates: Trueblood addressed an area of land in this development that is likely not appropriate for park purposes. It is currently proposed for an underground water tank. He discussed the area that the developer is offering, but staff does not see this as very good property to serve as a neighborhood park. In talking with a city engineer, the developer is going to be required to put a water retention or detention system in this area. Staff's recommendation is that the Commission either turn down this land or defer a decision until we know what impact the stormwater requirements are going to have on this area. Moved by Klink~ seconded by Reisetter~ to defer decision until further information is available on the Country Club Estates subdivision. Unanimous. B. Windsor West: Trueblood reviewed the specific location with the Commission. This is a development proposed for the area where the current Fairview Golf Course property is located. In the past, the Commission had indicated their wish to encourage a connector of some type be placed from this development to Scott Park. However, this development does not touch Scott Park. The Highland Woods subdivision is adjacent to this subdivision. Both of these subdivisions are owned by the same developer. The Commission determined it would like to encourage acceptance of land contingent on the placement of a connector trail being placed between this parcel and Scott Park. Moved by Raaz~ seconded by Reisetter~ to encourage the developer to set aside a public corridor that connects to Scott Park or that the developer pay fees in lieu of land for the Windsor West Subdivision. 7-1~ O'Leary voting no. C. Windsor Ridge Part 21: Trueblood informed the Commission that his parcel is near a potential school site, but the deadline for a decision on a school is quickly approaching and it appears unlikely this will occur. The Commission feels there is not enough information on this property at this time to make a decision but would like to be kept apprised of what is going to happen with the potential school site. Trueblood feels that the potential of a school on this property would make this particular parcel a better opportunity for open space than it provides now. Parks and Recreation Commission October 12, 2005 Page 4 of 6 Moved by Klink~ seconded by Raaz, to postpone decision until more information is available as well as an update regarding the possibility of a school beine built on land adiacent to this parcel in the Windsor Ridge Subdivision. Unanimous. COMMISSION TIME: Klink announced that there was playground equipment installed at Harlocke Hill Park and that it is being utilized. Klink also shared with Commission a magazine article that shows a water feature present in a lake in the country of Slovenia. It is a "climbing mountain/island" type feature and is very popular with the visitors to this lake. Westefeld thanked Trueblood for the park tour last month. Raaz noted that there was a wonderful photo of the skatepark in one of the local newspapers. He also asked about the status of the master plan. O'Leary stated that he is proud to be a part of the Parks & Recreation Commission and proud to be a part of the positive public perception that this Commission has. CHAIRS REPORT Gustaveson noted that he received a call from Bruce Titus who said that they have raised the $15,000 needed for the angel statue. They are currently raising the money needed for the base of the statue. DIRECTORS REPORT Court Hill Trail: Trueblood had mentioned in his memo to Commission that there may be some opposition present at the meeting with regard to the proposed Court Hill Trail project, however, there was no one present at this meeting. Trueblood was informed there has been $70,000 dedicated to fund a portion of the trail. With that and the enhancement funds being applied for, and if there is no opposition received, construction should begin sooner than expected. Boys Baseball Meeting: Trueblood, Westefeld, and Pacha met regarding concerns with the Boys Baseball organization. They plan to meet with Boys Baseball soon. The Boys Baseball building is progressing. Shingles are now in place and very little exterior work remains. New sod has also been installed. Commission Vacancies: The Commission has one additional vacancy with Sarah's resignation. Applications for that vacancy are due to the City Clerk by October 26. Dog Park: There is a press conference on Friday, October 14 at 10 a.m. at the dog park site. DogPac now has a major donor who is going to donate sufficient funding to complete the project. It will not be necessary for them to borrow money from the City. DogPac will be working directly with the contractors to get the project done, but the City will still be directly involved. Parks and Recreation Commission October 12, 2005 Page 5 of 6 Trueblood will present budget information as well as fees and charges to the Commission at the November or December meeting. Trueblood announced that he would be out of the office the week of October 17. Parks and Recreation Commission October 12, 2005 Page 6 of 6 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD VICAR ~00~ TERM NAME EXPIRES 1/12 2/16 3/9 4/13 5/11 6/8 7/13 8/25 9/14 10/12 11/19 12/14 Craig Gustaveson 1/1/07 NM X X X X X X X X X Judith Klink 1/1/07 NM X X X X O/E X X X X Margaret Loomer 1/1/08 NM X X X X X X X X X Ryan O'Leary 1/1/06 NM X X O/E X O/E X O/E O/E X Matt Pacha 1/1/05 NM X X O/E X O/E X X X X Jerry Raaz 1/1/08 ...... X X X X X X X X Phil Reisetter 1/1/09 NM X X O/E X X X O/E X X Sarah Walz 1/1/07 NM X X X X X O/E X X --- John Westefeld 1/1/06 NM X X X X X X X X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum .... Not a Member DRAFT MINUTES IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION EMMA HARVAT HALL 4'10 E. WASHINGTON STREET TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim McCue, Sara Baird, Billie Townsend, Bev Witwer, Paul Retish, Geoff Wilming, Scott King MEMBERS ABSENT: Lisa Beckmann, David Shorr STAFF MEMBERS: Stefanie A. Bowers ALSO PRESENT: Amanda Daum 1. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve minutes of September 26, 2005 by McCue and seconded by King. Motion passed unanimously. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: No. 4. NEW BUSINESS: a. Select date for the 23rd Annual Human Rights Awards Breakfast. Bowers suggested the week of September 25th 2006. Wilming suggested that the Breakfast be held on Thursday instead of on Wednesday because other organizations have early morning activities on Wednesday. Motion to accept September 28, 2006 by Witwer seconded by McCue. Motion passed unanimously. b. Seminar--Preparing the Campus & Community for Public Enqagement on Issues of Race, Privilege, and Cultural Competence in the Post Hurricane Katrina World. Bowers stated the seminar organizers wanted financial help for the event as well as support in planning the event. Bowers stated there was a planning meeting for this seminar on Thursday, October 27 at 11:00 in the River Room at the IMU. Bowers believed that after this meeting on the 27th she would have more information as to the actual event. Retish voiced concern over the seminar appearing to be geared towards the campus and not the community and stressed the Human Rights Commission (HRC) is a community organization. Retish feels that if we are going to help sponsor this event we should make sure that the seminar is inclusive of the whole community versus just the campus and academics. Bowers said she would take those concerns to the meeting on the 27th and discuss it with other planners. McCue inquired into the budget of the Commission because people, organizations, and groups are always asking for help and Commissioners have no idea of the amount of funds available for such requests. Wilming inquired as to whether the Commission could apply for grants for big projects they want to support. This item is to be placed on the November Agenda for further discussion. c. Choice Dinner 2006--Rev. Rosalyn Satchel. Bowers said the Emma Goldman Clinic requested a $250.00 donation to help bring Reverend Rosalyn Satchel to speak at their Choice Dinner 2006. Witwer asked whether anyone had attended the event in the past and Baird stated she had. Baird added because Satchel is the director of the National Center for Human Rights Education her goals are similar to the Commissions. Retish stated this is a dinner with a specific theme and that is the protection of Roe v. Wade which is not a general human rights issue. Retish added there was no problem with that but it does open the Commission up to other organizations with specific themes asking for support. Townsend mentioned that she had no problem contributing to the dinner but if there is a contribution then there should also be Commissioners who want to attend the event. Baird stated she would attend the event to hear Satchel speak. Motion to donate to the dinner by Baird and seconded by King. Motion passed unanimously. This item will be placed on the December Agenda to determine who else from the Commission will attend the event. d. Cultural Diversity Festival February 26, 2006. Bowers notified Commissioners of the date of the 2006 Cultural Diversity Day Festival held at the Field House. King and Wilming want a better table location this year preferably not one by the Field House informational booth. Townsend will find out what office at the University of Iowa is sponsoring the event and put in a request for a better table location. This item will be placed on the January Agenda. e. Spotlight on Community Relations/Diversity. Bowers mentioned her desire to have a forum in the spring to allow members of the community to talk about or discuss any concerns or comments they have about human rights issues in Iowa City. The forum would also educate the community on issues of concern. Bowers felt this would allow staff and the Commission to know whether needs are being met. Bowers would like to work with the Iowa City Community School District and also the University of Iowa Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office to increase participation in the forum and to make sure a full cross section of the community is represented. Bowers hopes to have a forum at different locations throughout the City. King thought it may be a good idea to have the forums after Cultural Diversity Day so Commissioners could use Diversity day to advertise the event. McCue questioned whether anyone goes to meetings anymore and mentioned how frustrating it is to get people to come out to meetings. Retish mentioned that efforts at diversity in the past have failed and that the Commission is not cracking the surface. Retish mentioned things that need to be addressed at future forums like the City of Iowa City, City High and West High all having events on the evening Yom Kippur started and the day of Yom Kippur. Retish also pointed out that voting at Longfellow Elementary School is not accessible to persons with disabilities and voting in general is miserably organized. Retish suggested publishing a calendar that included important dates of all religions, nationalities etc., so events and programs are not scheduled on religious holidays. Retish felt if the Commission holds a forum it needs to be something with a punch. Wilming thought it may be easier to educate the community, by speaking with other area groups who have a devoted membership like the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Wilming thinks piggybacking on something already going that has an audience is a good idea. Witwer also mentioned using public television to bring the forum into the homes of Iowa City residents and then rebroadcasting. Wilming agreed with the idea of a calendar to distribute so that the purpose could also be to educate. McCue noted that the University of Iowa has a calendar with important dates. McCue suggested sending the calendar to the school systems and to City Offices with a letter that states "Here is a calendar with important dates to all persons and religions, etc., if you should schedule something at this time you should expect public criticism from the HRC. "Witwer stated that the Iowa City School System through Marian Coleman also distribute a similar calendar. Townsend will get a calendar from the University of Iowa and Bowers will get one from the Iowa City School System and both will bring to the next meeting for Commissioners to look at. Retish suggested that all Commissioners think of a place to put on a forum on diversity. Wilming also felt all Commissioners should brain storm and think about organizations that have programs going on a regular basis. This item will be on the November Agenda. f. Select date for Youth Human Riqhts Awards Proqram. April 11,2006 will be the date for the Third Annual Youth Human Rights Awards. Witwer and Wilming both mentioned how well attended last year's event was and that the Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) may no longer provide enough space for the event. Witwer prefers having the event on a Tuesday. Baird and Townsend cautioned against any Tuesday that would be the same night as the City Council meeting. Retish wants to send out notice to school faculty and staff after winter break. King thought location was a problem last year due to size. Bowers recommended the Iowa City Recreational Center's Social Hall, Wilming thought that was about the size of the large meeting room at the ICPL and suggested the Commission go bigger. Wilming suggested the Banquet be held at a local school. Witwer added maybe the Auditoriums at either City High or West High. McCue mentioned the Englert. Bowers will look around and call and report back next meeting. This item will be on November Agenda. 5. OLD BUSINESS: a. Keynote Speaker for the 23rd Annual Human Riqhts Awards Breakfast. Witwer stated she liked this year's speaker Kevin Burt. Witwer liked the mix of music and a speech. Townsend suggested Michael Olin. Wilming suggested Christopher Rossi who would be a more international speaker. Wilming also suggested David Skorton. Townsend reminded the Commissioners that Skorton had spoken a few years ago at the Banquet. McCue would like someone from the business community. Retish would like the couple who owns Thai Flavors because they are totally committed to Human Rights. This item will be placed on the November Agenda. b. Sponsored Proqrams Review. Commissioners read through the list of events and activities that were sponsored or co-sponsored by the Commission the previous year (10 minutes). Commissioners agreed that all events and activities should continue to be sponsored and supported. Those events are: One Community, One Book-Johnson County Reads, Music on Broadway (if the Human Rights Education Committee decides to continue with this program), Human Rights Breakfast, Building Blocks for Employment (if the Human Rights Education Committee decides to continue this program), United Nations Association's Night of 1000 Dinners, Landlord Tenant Seminar, Cultural Diversity Day, Film Series, Youth Human Rights Awards and Pride Festival. Retish suggested developing a library of materials connected to human rights. Retish also thought it would be good to publish the library and send the list out to various educators, schools and also to have Cable TV run it and let people know that these are the materials we have and they are available for you to borrow at no charge. Or Retish suggested donating the materials to the library and let them be the lenders. Bowers said she would make a list of the VHS and DVD materials staff currently have. c. Review and approve draft Human Riqhts Commission Annual Report FY 2005. Retish noted that the July 26, 2005 attendance record of the Human Rights Commission was inaccurate with Witwer, Townsend, McCue and Wilming all showing as absent. Term expiration dates were also incorrect showing Witwer and King's commissions ending in January 2005. The noted inaccuracies will be corrected and final approval will be held at the November meeting. This item will be placed on November Agenda. 4 d. Movie Series Update--Baird and Kinq. Baird reported that she contacted the producers of the movie Lost Boys of Sudan. The DVD can be purchased for $75 and this includes the right to show the movie at a non-profit event. However, this right does not include broadcast rights. Baird wants to use this movie in the series and will forward the information to Bowers. Witwer stressed the importance of picking dates and getting locations soon because slots fill up quickly at the Iowa City Public Library. Baird also reported in 1996 she saw a documentary entitled I'm still Here a movie about schizophrenia and would like to show the documentary at a future movie date. McCue stated he owned a copy of the documentary. Bowers will look into contacting the producers to gain permission to show it at a public screening. McCue said it was a well made documentary. Further updates on the Movie Series will be on November's Agenda. e. Tenant Landlord Proqram Update--Beckmann and Shorr. This item was skipped due to Beckmann and Shorr's absence. f. Update on Handouts for International Non-Native Speakers--Kinq. King has contacted both the University of Iowa Human Rights Center and the International Women's Club and both are very interested in working on this project. King is waiting to hear back from them as to which members will specifically help with the handout. King stated both organizations would like the Commission to go ahead and prepare it because both see it as an important issue in both of their areas. King reminded everyone that we have an August deadline for this project. Retish said that his wife informed him that the school system does provide Non-English speaking materials to parents. King suggested getting a copy of what the school system already has and improving on that and also checking to see what languages are currently available. Retish knows three children kept out of school last year who spoke no English. King suggested Spanish, Vietnamese as examples. King hopes to have meetings with the other organizations sometime early November. This item will be placed on the November Agenda. h. Report on Buildinq Blocks for Employment Job Skills Fair--Retish. Retish reported that the event was held at the Iowa City Recreational Center on October 24, 2005. The program had a lot of volunteers from the Law School of which he really complimented. Retish also said about a dozen employers showed up which was great but that only 35 participants showed up. Retish was disappointed in the Iow turn out and has scheduled a meeting with the Human Rights Education Committee to see whether this program is a viable program to continue. Retish suggested taking the event back to the Neighborhood Centers. Retish said the event had babysitting and food. Retish also mentioned there were a few logistical problems but that is to be expected. Retish is worried about the viability of the Human Rights Education Committee noting that a few people are moving away. Bowers and Retish have not talked about Bowers role in the Committee. Wilming added that he was present at the event and the participants who were there had a lot of personalized attention. Wilming also thought about approaching the Iowa City Press Citizen to write articles about the program. Retish said that he had tried in the past but the Daily Iowan was present and did a news program on the event. 6. READ CASES: No. 7. REPORTS OF COMMISIONERS: McCue wanted to call attention to the Shelter Overflow Project that will run from November 1st' 2005 through to March 31,2006. This is the third season this project has taken place and eight local churches are involved this year. McCue also wanted to mention the daughter of assassinated Mahmoud Mohamed Taha as a possible speaker for the annual breakfast. Retish stated that she had recently moved out of the country. Baird mentioned the United Nations Association's Night of 1000 Diners. Baird said it is a fundraiser for land mine awareness. It will be held Thursday, November 10, 2006 at the Old Brick at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. and that there is a variety of different food from different cultures and ethnicities. A lot of information tables dealing with Human Rights. Restaurants and Businesses are present at the event. Townsend mentioned that Julian Bond is coming to speak at the Law School on November 3, 2006. Also a play that Tisch Jones is directing at the David Thayer Theatre called In The Blood. The play uses actual film footage of people who are homeless in the Iowa City area as the back drop for the play. Townsend suggested Commissioners should all try to attend this event and also have the students that made the films of the people who are homeless come and talk to the Commission. Townsend even thought of addressing the issue of homelessness in a public forum in coordination with the students. The play runs November 3-6, 9-13, 2005. Witwer reported that Jane Balvanz, a counselor at Wickham Elementary School, has put together a bullying program consisting of seven 90 minute sessions for parents and children to participate in. Witwer reported that Balvanz hopes to be able to share what she has learned from these sessions in February or March of 2006. Witwer believed that Balvanz could offer support as far as sharing her experiences in how to analyze these issues and analysis of victim bullied bystanders. Witwer feels Balvanz's knowledge in this area makes her an excellent resource for parents and students and also very community based. Witwer would like her to come and talk to the Commission in either February or March. Retish mentioned that he would like Balvantz to speak to Commissioners about how she would bring her skills and knowledge in bullying to a public educational type forum for both parents and children. This item will be placed on the December Agenda for follow up. Witwer went to the Iowa Dialogue Center, an organization put together by the students from Turkey. The leader of the organization encourages all groups and religions to talk to one another, to work together and to live together. Witwer said it was a great experience that included a dinner at the Sheraton and a musical production. Wilming mentioned the death of Rosa Parks who was a great example of how somebody who was not out in the forefront prior to her famous refusal to give up her seat really makes a difference not only in our Country but in all. 8. STATUS OF CASES: Bowers reported on a litigation update in a case that Commissioners had received a copy of prior. 9. ADJOURNMENT: 8:24 p.m. Board or Commission: Human Rights ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2005 (Meeting Date) TERM NAME EXP. 1/25 2/22 3/22 4/26 5/24 6/21 7/26 8/17 8/23 9/27 10/25 11/22 12/27 Lisa Beckman 1/1/07 X X X YA O/E NMNQ X X X X O/E Paul Retish 1/1/07 X X X YA O/E NMNQ X O X O/E X Geoff Wilming 1/1/07 X X O/E YA X NMNQ O/E X X O/E X Sara Baird 1/1/08 X O/E X YA X NMNQ X X × X X David Shorr 1/1/06 X X O/E YA X NMNQ X O/E O/E X O/E James McCue 1/1/06 X X X YA X NMNQ O/E X X X X Billie Townsend 1/1/06 X X X YA X NMNQ O/E X O X X Bev Witwer 1/1/08 X X X YA O/E NMNQ O/E X X X X Scott King 1/1/08 X X X YA X NMNQ X X X X X KEY: X = Present NMNQ - No meeting, no quorum O = Absent O/E -- Absent/Excused