Item 3: West Eugene Enterprise Zone Boundary Amendment 2

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WEEZ boundary amendments must be approved jointly by the Eugene City Council and the Lane County Board of Commissioners. The Lane County Board is scheduled to consider the proposed th boundary amendment on October 24. Enterprise zone boundary amendments must be consistent with state statutes and are reviewed and authorized by the State of Oregon. The existing West Eugene Enterprise Zone boundary includes approximately 7.5 square miles. The proposed expansion area consists of approximately 14.4 acres, which represents a less than one percent increase in the boundary size to approximately 7.52 square miles. The maximum enterprise zone size allowed by state statute is 12 square miles. State statute requires that all taxing districts with boundaries that overlap the enterprise zone boundary are provided notice at least 21 days prior to adoption of a resolution approving a boundary amendment. All of the impacted taxing districts have received the required notice. RELATED CITY POLICIES The enterprise zone program is enabled by state statute. Encouraging economic development activity in the targeted core area is consistent with numerous adopted planning and policy documents. Examples include: Envision Eugene Pillars Provide ample economic opportunities for all community members 1(a). Plan for an employment growth rate of 1.4%. This growth rate translates into an increase of 35,800 jobs over 20 years. 1(c). Work with property owners of current vacant or developed industrial lands, especially those larger than 25 acres, to reduce the financial and regulatory obstacles to development, with a goal of making these sites ready for development. Regional Prosperity Economic Development Plan Strengthen Key Industries . Identify strategies to address unique and logistical needs of existing and emerging industries . Develop associations or networks among targeted cluster businesses for innovative networking, information-sharing and provide opportunities for business growth . Pursue opportunities to expand and recruit businesses, ideas, and entrepreneurs into our region that can enhance our existing business and community Growth Management Policies Policy 1 Support the existing Eugene Urban Growth Boundary by taking actions to increase density and use on existing vacant land and under-used land within the boundary more efficiently. Policy 2 Encourage in-fill, mixed-use, redevelopment, and higher density development. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121022\S1210223.doc