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- National group seeks repeal of 'Stand Your Ground' law in Kansas May 27, 2012 · 166 comments
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012 · 277 comments
- U.S. military sees new appreciation May 28, 2012 · 47 comments
- Sound Off: How much does the city’s transit system collect in fares compared with how much it costs May 27, 2012 · 137 comments
- Tax gamble May 26, 2012 · 95 comments
- God, marriage May 25, 2012 · 200 comments
- Brownback tells federal judicial panel to toss legislative redistricting maps May 29, 2012 · 7 comments
- On the street: How did you spend your Memorial Day? May 28, 2012 · 37 comments
- Remove politics, and redistricting map falls in line May 27, 2012 · 52 comments
- Blog: Iranian Nuclear Energy: Will It Destroy Lives Or Save Them? May 29, 2012 · 6 comments
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012
- Thread of pain ran through Jackson’s career June 28, 2009
- Hilltop executive director Pat Pisani stepping down May 28, 2012
- Friends mourn Lynn Bretz, former voice of KU May 28, 2012
- Town Talk: UPDATE: Frank Male files for county commission; keep an ear open for local sales tax talk; city hires new city engineer; wholesale water district buys land near Kaw; weekly land transfers May 29, 2012
- How to help: Guides needed for Lamplight Tour of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park May 27, 2012
- Disciplinary action taken against Haskell employees after investigation of student-athlete test scores May 15, 2012
- City, county mull upgrade to emergency radio system May 28, 2012
- Experts: Remedial college classes need fixing May 28, 2012
- Jobs program for homeless set to expand May 14, 2010
City eyeing new council for economic development
This is a similar structure to what many communities are doing these days. In my community our economic development person works under a contract from the City, County, Chamber and a non-profit economic development organization. They have many masters but with each of the groups working towards a common goal they have been successful.
They report to all four organizations on a monthly basis. They have an advisory committee with representatives from each of the organizations plus a couple outside business representatives and they have one direct supervisor designated from the four organizations that partnered together to finance the economic development budget.
It's not uncommon to have this type of structure.
May 8, 2012 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KU Student Senate debate canceled after 'unsubstantiated rumor'
A debate was canceled because of an unsubstantiated rumor? OK what was the debate about? What was the rumor?
Could this be any more vague?
April 6, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
City has economic development options
hawk, I was in Atchison County when they started their program. It was the first in the state do put the program in place on a county-wide basis. When I moved away I started doing the same thing in my county. I hesitate to mention TIFF but it is an option for Lawrence as well. Tax Increment Financing is a good tool for some larger cities like Lawrence but I don't know if they have been using it there. Might be worth a search through the LJ World files to see.
November 9, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
City has economic development options
hawkperched, I'll admit we are different than Lawrence. We can do the Neighborhood Revitalization program county wide and in every city/community in our county. You have to find an area that can be considered blighted or struggling. Lawrence can't do that as freely as we can do. But if they have a way of doing it then do it. Our two largest employers are doubling the size of their facilities. They had a chance to use tax abatements. The decided to use Neighborhood Revitalization because it was quicker, less paper work and more positive politically because they are paying "some" taxes on the improvement right from the start. It also ramps up on the tax rolls over time which helps the local taxing entities from the start. TIFF could also be a tool for your city to consider. Not always popular but it helps pay for the infrastructure needed for development without it coming from the city budget. Again just IMHO
November 9, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
City ready to revisit Farmland discourse
Unfortunately in most cases these days some form of incentives are necessary. Businesses are starting to ask about incentives earlier and earlier in their search process these days. But having solid claw back policies in place is very important. I'd be interested in hearing how much the feds and state are going to kick in towards the clean up? Are they going to use the Brownfields's program?
November 9, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
City has economic development options
I forgot to mention. The reason local taxing entities don't go backward on taxes with the Neighborhood Revitalization Act is because the base amount of taxes on the property before any improvements are made, remains the same. That tax is still paid. It's the improvements such as an expansion or new construction that is counted for the tax rebate.
November 9, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
City has economic development options
I'm an Economic Development Director in another part of the state. It's good to see Lawrence looking at this issue. E.D. groups all across the state are looking at their incentive programs and more specifically "claw back" clauses to assure that businesses are living up to their promises for job creation and capital investment. I live in a smaller city than Lawrence. We use the Neighborhood Revitalization Program instead of tax abatements. Rather than giving a 100% tax abatement. We give a tax "rebate" and the maximum is 95% for the first three years. Then it changes to 80, 70, 60, 50 percent....decreasing each year for a 10 year period. With our model the local taxing entities never take a step backwards on taxes. They at least get 5% of any new construction or additional to a building. That's from day one. We also use this program for residential properties. But that's another story on not what is being discussed here. But either way whether its Neighborhood Revitalization or Tax Abatements. When it comes to incentives for busiensses there has to be bench marks set and a claw back clause included in the contract. In my humble opinion.
November 9, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
What do you think about McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate?
TRA No I'm not candy coating. I'm creating a little balance in the discussion. Look at the numbers nationally on the balance between Democrats and Republicans in the United States http://www.rasmussenreports.com/publi... say this is going to be a very interesting race.
August 30, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
What do you think about McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate?
Personally I think she's a GREAT choice. She has experience in leading a city government and a state goverment. She has experience dealing with Russia and international treaties. Alaska often has to deal with international treaties and Russia due to their location. She has taken a government that was bleeding out financially and turned it around. She has a 90% voter approval rating in Alaska. The Democratic Women for Hillary group is even posting on their website ther support for her. That's huge considering their numbers and the numbers of women Republicans who were on the fence. They now have a candidate to vote for with McCain. She's also the anti-Washington insider. Something you don't get with Obama and Biden. Heck even something you don't get with McCain. She's a regular person and understands the struggles of regular families. She has a son in the military who will be deployed soon. She has a child with a disability. She has a husband who is used to dealing with Unions and yes she knows how to deal with big OIL interests too. She has experience in energy issues.
August 30, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Witnesses say shooting occurred at large, outdoor bash
RomanNose (Anonymous) says: MandM (Anonymous) says:Doesn't Lawrence have a noise ordinance? I know in my town there's an ordinance against loud music or noise after 10 PM+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Your town=who cares______________________________________________You should care. My point was that we have a noise ordinance and I'm sure Lawrence does too. Get involved and get the ordinances enforced to head off this type of thing. Also make a push to see if they had a permit for this party. Hold people responsible for their actions. Hold the law enforcement responsible for enforcing the laws you have to address problems before they get out of hand.
June 23, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )