HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem A - Enterprise Zone ApplicEUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Work Session: Economic Development Committee Recommendation on an
Enterprise Zone
Meeting Date: February 16, 2005 Agenda Item Number: A
Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Denny Braud
www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-5536
ISSUE STATEMENT
Consistent with the recommendation from the Mayor's Committee on Economic Development, and City
Council direction in October 2004, the council is being asked to consider submittal of an application to
the State of Oregon in 2005, for establishment of an enterprise zone in Eugene.
BACKGROUND
On October 11, 2004, the council directed the City Manager to proceed with an application to establish
an enterprise zone in Eugene, jointly sponsored with and supported by Lane County, based on the
recommendation of the Mayor's Committee on Economic Development, and consistent with State of
Oregon guidelines, with the application package returning to the council for approval in advance of the
April 25, 2005, State of Oregon application deadline.
The Mayor's Committee forwarded the following recommendation:
· Establish an enterprise zone in Eugene
· Consider a boundary similar to the previous West Eugene Enterprise Zone (Attachment A)
· Provide the maximum tax exemption benefit (100%) for redevelopment, infill, and brownfield
investments in order to meet the City' s sustainability goals
· Limit the tax exemption (consistent with State statutes and rules) to two-thirds for investments
occurring on greenfield sites.
· Create job quality standards for greenfield investments (consistent with State statutes and rules) that
would provide an opportunity for these investments to receive up to the maximum
(100%) tax exemption benefit when job quality standards are met.
The Mayor's Committee did not recommend specific job quality standards. However, it suggested that
job quality be considered based on attractive wages, employee benefits, job training, advancement
opportunities, job retention, and utilization of programs that assist disadvantaged workers. A sample
job quality standards concept is included in Attachment C. If the City chooses to adopt additional local
criteria, the State of Oregon would not require the additional criteria to be included in the application
package. Local additional criteria could be created and amended any time prior to the application, or
any time during the life of the zone. In accordance with State statutes, additional criteria must be
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"reasonably related to the public purpose of providing opportunities for groups of persons to obtain
employment." Additional background information on the enterprise zone program is included in
Attachment D.
Statewide, there are two zones that expire in 2005 (Harrisburg and Madras). Other communities,
including Harrisburg and Madras, are able to compete for these two available zones. Both Harrisburg
and Madras are expected to reapply for ten more years of enterprise zone designation. It is anticipated
that Harrisburg will receive strong State and regional support for re-designation of its zone given the
importance of the thriving RV industry to the region's economy. Madras is also expected to make a
strong push for re-designation given the fact that its zone is focused on a large City-owned industrial
park. Eugene's application should also receive strong consideration, given the positive investment
history associated with the former zone, and the importance of Eugene's manufacturing sector relative to
the region. It is also possible that the State legislature could consider expanding the number of
enterprise zones allowed statewide, and that such expansion would be applicable for this year' s 2005
application round.
The 2005 application material for designation of an enterprise zone in Eugene is substantially complete.
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of zones available, the State allows thirty additional
days (following April 25) for applicants to submit additional material in response to specific competitive
criteria. A draft copy of Eugene's application is included in Attachment E.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The enterprise zone tax exemption addresses the following related City policies:
Sustainable Community Development
The council's Sustainable Community Development goal addresses high quality of life and a healthy
economy. The availability of quality jobs is a basic quality of life issue. With a local unemployment
rate that exceeds the national average, and local income levels below state and national averages, the
creation of new production sector jobs is fundamental to the health of the local labor market. The
creation of an enterprise zone will also provide an incentive for redevelopment, infill development, and
brownfield redevelopment, which are primary sustainability goals.
Growth Management
The enterprise zone advances the City's Growth Management goals by encouraging more intensive
industrial development in a defined area that has been zoned accordingly, and where existing public
infrastructure investments have already occurred.
Fair, Stable, and Adequate Financial Resources
The long-term property tax revenues that result from new investments that are encouraged by the short-
term tax exemption address Council's goal for financial resources adequate to maintain and deliver
municipal services.
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COUNCIL OPTIONS
Three options have been identified:
1. Mayor's Committee Recommendation: Proceed with application to the State of Oregon in 2005.
The boundary would include the prior (expired) West Eugene Enterprise Zone boundary, plus a
limited amount of adjacent industrial property that was not included in the previous boundary.
Revevelopment, infill, and brownfield redevelopment projects would receive the standard (100%)
three-year tax exemption. Greenfield development would be subject to additional job quality
standards, with the last one-third of the tax exemption conditioned on job quality (minimum
exemption = 66%, maximum exemption = 100%). Job quality standards would be adopted prior to
establishment of the zone.
Pros: Supports Mayor's Committee recommendation
Addresses sustainability goals by providing the maximum benefit for redevelopment, infill,
and brownfield redevelopment
Conditions greenfield development, and appears to adhere to State statutes and rules
regarding the reasonableness of additional local conditions
Provides opportunity, if selected by the State, to have the enterprise zone operating on
July 1, 2005
Cons: Expect significant competition from two expiring zones in the 2005 State application round.
2. Restricted Boundary_: Proceed with application to the State of Oregon in 2005, with a smaller,
restricted boundary. The council previously considered an option that would eliminate greenfield
development sites from the proposed boundary (see Attachment B). In this option, all eligible
projects would be focused on redevelopment, infill, or brownfield redevelopment projects; therefore,
all eligible projects would receive the standard (100%) three-year tax exemption.
Pros: Zone more focused on the City's sustainability goals
Zone boundary could be expanded in the future if desired
Opportunities for new construction are still available on vacant infill sites within the
restricted boundary
Restricted boundary would still include a majority of the area recommended by the Mayor's
Committee
Provides opportunity, if selected by the State, to have the enterprise zone operating on
July 1, 2005
Reduces the City's administrative burden associated with monitoring compliance with
additional local criteria
Cons: - May lose opportunity to attract high value, large job creation projects that are specifically
seeking larger greenfield sites
Not entirely consistent with the Mayor's Committee recommendation
Expect significant competition from the two expiring zones in the 2005 State application
round
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3. Defer Application to 2006: The council could consider making application to the State of Oregon in
2006, instead of this year. With two additional zones expiring in 2006, there will be an opportunity
to apply next year.
Pros: Provides additional time to further develop City-wide sustainability goals and objectives
Allows for the completion of the Buildable Lands Inventory analysis prior to application
Cons: Delays establishment of a zone until July 1, 2006
Not consistent with the Mayor's Committee recommendation
No guarantee that Eugene's application would be successful in 2006, given limited number
of zones available
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager approves the staff-developed recommendation that the City submit an application for
designation of an enterprise zone in 2005, consistent with the recommendation of the Mayor's
Committee on Economic Development. Although there may be significant competition this year, it is
possible that the Legislature would expand the number of available zones. If Eugene is unsuccessful
this year, the application could be resubmitted in 2006; and a non-selection this year could help advance
a successful application next year.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to direct the City Manager to bring back a recommendation for establishing job quality standards
applicable to enterprise zone greenfield development projects, and bring back a resolution in support of
submitting an application to the State of Oregon for designation of an enterprise zone in 2005, jointly
sponsored with and supported by Lane County, based on the recommendation of the Mayor's
Committee on Economic Development, with the boundary as proposed in Attachment A of this agenda
item.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Recommended Enterprise Zone Boundary
B. Alternative Enterprise Zone Boundary
C. Sample Job Quality Standards Concept
D. Additional Enterprise Zone Background
E. Draft Application for Designation of an Enterprise Zone
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Denny Braud
Telephone: 682-5536
Staff E-Mail: denny.braud~ci, eugene, or.us
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ATTACHMENT A
Recommended Enter ' Zone
..~i '~ ~. ·
West Eugene Enterprise Zone Boundary ~ Eugene Urban Growth Boundary ~ Miles
0 0.3 0,6 0.9 1.2
Total ~ Eugene Ci~ Limits
Acerage: 5946
Square Hiles: 9.29 Ci~ of Eugene
Planning and Developmen~ ~,
Febn~a~ 8, 2005
ATTACHMENT B
Restricted Boundary "Removal of Greenfields"
..:..";
~ Ave
~ Miles
Eugene
Urban
~rowth
Bounda~
~ o o.3 o.6 o.9
~ Enterprise Zone with Removal of Green~elds
Gr~n~eld
O~ of Eugene
Acreage of Re~ri~ed ~unda~ Zone: ~160
~3 Re,ricked Bounda~ GreenNeld Acerage: 785 Planning and Developmen¢
Feb~a~ 8, 200~'~"
ATTACHMENT C
*** Sample ***
Job Quality Standards Concept
Attractive Wages
Measure: New jobs created must meet or exceed the annual mean (or median) wage
for Lane County Production Occupations, as defined by the Oregon
Employment Department's Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
system.
Example: After one full year of employment, all new jobs (or a percentage of all
new jobs) must receive an annual wage of at least the current mean (or
median) Production wage for Lane County.
Employee Benefits
Measure: Employee benefits must meet the national average of non-mandated
benefits (i.e. health insurance, holiday, vacation, retirement) as defined by
the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Example: All new jobs must receive non-mandated benefits, measured as a
percentage of their pay, consistent with the national average.
Job Training and Advancement Opportunities
Measure: Company demonstrates that sufficient training and advancement
opportunities will be available to new employees. (No specific measure
identified at this time).
Example: Company must dedicate a certain percentage of its new employee
compensation to training. Advancement opportunities may be difficult to
measure objectively during the short life of the exemption.
Job Retention
Measure: State Statutes require that companies maintain the required ten-percent
employment increase for the life of the exemption.
Example: Require tax exemption to be repaid if company does not maintain its ten-
percent employment increase.
Utilization of Programs that Assist Disadvantaged Workers
Measure: Percent of new jobs filled through local training and referral agencies.
Example: At least 25% of new jobs are filled through programs that assist
disadvantaged workers (ex. Oregon Employment Department, Lane
Community College, Goodwill Industries)
ATTACHMENT D
Enterprise Zone: Additional Background Information
The Oregon Enterprise Zone program is a State program established by the legislature in 1985 for the
primary purposes of job creation, encouraging new investment, diversification, and competitiveness.
The program offers a three-year property tax exemption for new buildings, renovation and expansion of
buildings, and equipment investments made by qualified businesses located within a designated area
defined by the zone sponsor. The exemption is designed to encourage new investment via a short-term
exemption, with the long term goal of increasing tax revenue for taxing districts following the
exemption period. A qualified business is basically a (non-retail) manufacturing, processing, call-center,
headquarters, distribution, or warehousing business that will increase its base employment by at least
10%. Businesses can request two additional years of tax exemption if they agree to specific wage
requirements and other conditions that the zone sponsor may impose.
There are 49 active enterprise zones in Oregon, four of which are in Lane County: Springfield, Cottage
Grove, Florence, Oakridge/Westfir. Zones are established for a ten-year period through a competitive
state application process. There are a maximum of 49 zones available in the state. The next state
application opportunity for establishment of a new zone will occur in the Spring of 2005.
In urban enterprise zones, the sponsor may require businesses to satisfy conditions in addition to the
basic state eligibility criteria (applicable to the three-year exemption). However, these conditions must
be "reasonably related to the public purpose of providing opportunities for groups of persons to obtain
employment." The conditions must be imposed pursuant to an adopted local policy, and must be in
addition to, and not in lieu of, state program criteria. The state has specific rules regarding the
reasonableness of conditions required by the zone sponsor.
The expired West Eugene Enterprise Zone was in place from 1987 - 1997, and was jointly sponsored by
the City of Eugene and Lane County. The zone boundary included approximately 6.5 square miles in
West Eugene. During its ten-year life, 57 companies participated in the program, and 87% of the
companies that used the program were existing local businesses. Not including the large investments
made by Hynix and HMT Technology, the average investment in the West Eugene zone was
approximately $800,000. The average three-year tax exemption benefit for those investments was
approximately $32,000.
The largest investments that occurred within the zone were made by Hynix ($1.66 billion investment,
$48 million tax exemption) and HMT Technology ($90 million investment, disqualified due to closure).
All other investments made within the zone totaled $62.5 million. Although the West Eugene Enterprise
Zone expired on June 30, 1997, state statutes allow companies that were participating in the program at
the time of the Zone's expiration ("grandfathered" companies) to continue to use the program's three-
year tax exemption benefit on additional investments made after the expiration of the Zone so long as
the company has an active tax exemption at the time that a new investment is qualified. There are only
two remaining grandfathered companies, Hynix and Lanz Cabinets. Their grandfathered status expires
in 2007.
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Questions and Issues from September 29, 2004 Meeting:
1. Is there an alternative form of property tax exemption, other than the State's Enterprise Zone
program, that could be used to redefine the types of companies that qualify, and broaden our
ability to condition the tax exemption?
No. Property tax exemptions are authorized by the State of Oregon-Department of Revenue. The City
of Eugene does not have the authority to initiate tax exemptions locally. Existing tax exemption
programs, including the Multiple Unit Property Tax Exemption (MUPTE), Vertical Housing
Development Zone, Historic Property Tax Exemption, and Low-income Housing Tax Exemption are all
authorized under state statutes. These programs are not applicable to traditional job-creation/economic
development activities.
2. What is the definition of "family wage job" and "living wage"?
These two terms are typically used synonymously, but there is no single, universally accepted definition.
The State of Oregon typically considers "average annual wage" to be the benchmark for family/living
wages. The average annual wage in Lane County is currently $30,311 ($14.57/hr.). The Economic
Policy Institute considers the annual family/living wage to be $31,383 ($15.09/hr.) for a family of three
(average household size in Eugene) in the Eugene-Springfield area.
3. What are the "community standards" that were referenced at the previous meeting; and, given
the state Enterprise Zone statutes and rules, is it possible for these standards to be incorporated
into locally adopted conditions?
The Eugene-Springfield Solidarity Network has developed a community standards policy for economic
development subsidies provided to business. The following is a description of the standards and an
analysis of the City's ability to condition the enterprise zone tax exemption on each standard:
Transparancey and Disclosure - Open and pubfic accounting of how money will be spent and what it
will provide to the local community.
Tax exemptions granted in the enterprise zone program are matters of public record. Because the
program only offers tax exemptions, there is no money "spent" in the program, and therefore no
ability for companies to utilize funds inappropriately. The County Tax Assessor requires
companies to demonstrate annually that they are in compliance with the program requirements.
Accountability- Employers who do not observe these community standard; will be required to pay back
any public money or tax breaks/incentives that they have received and will not be eligible for further
subsidies until they guarantee compliance. Establishment of independent commission to oversee and
monitor compliance with community standard,'.
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State statues require the Tax Assessor to disqualify tax exemptions in cases where companies are
not meeting the program criteria. There are layers of accountability provided in the program,
including statutes and rules that clearly define events of disqualification, requirements that
companies submit statements of compliance to the Tax Assessor annually, and the authority
provided to the Tax Assessor to disqualify ("clawback") exemptions. Given the accountability
required in the program, there is no clear role for an independent commission to oversee and
monitor compliance.
Family Wage Jobs- Require racially and ethnically diverse workforce, provide living wage jobs, fair
labor practices, on-site childcare or chiM care allowances, neutrality in union organizing campaigns.
The State statues allow the adoption of local conditions that are "reasonably related to the public
purpose of providing opportunities for groups of persons to obtain employment...". It may be
possible to include local conditions related to wages, keeping in mind that there may be
limitations on the jobs that can be conditioned (new jobs only) and the reasonableness of the
wage requirement.
Conditions related to workforce diversity and childcare appear to be consistent with the
provision of employment opportunities; although childcare requirements for small/medium-sized
businesses may not be reasonable. Regarding equal opportunity employment and fair labor
practices, there are existing laws that govern these areas. State enterprise zone statutes require
companies to comply with all local, state, and federal laws applicable to the companies'
operations within the enterprise zone throughout the exemption period.
Local Hiring - Any jobs created at any level are hired retained and promoted locally first, hiring a
majority (at least 60%) locally. Utilize local vendors, suppliers and services.
Based on a 1995 opinion issued by the Oregon Attorney General which declared that residency-
based hiring requirements violated the Oregon Constitution, the Oregon Administrative Rules for
enterprise zones specifically states that additional local conditions "shall not require that the
eligible business firm' s hiring, recruitment, promotion, training, compensation or treatment of its
actual or potential employees, suppliers, contractors or customers be based on those persons' or
businesses' residency or geographic location..."
Sustainability - Encourage small business and existing sectors, "smart growth "principles, encourage
use of nearby existing mass transit routes.
Historically, the primary focus of the enterprise zone program in Eugene was directed towards
the encouragement of small business growth in existing traded sector businesses. In the expired
West Eugene Enterprise Zone, 81% of the companies that participated had less than 50
employees when their new investment was qualified. Because the continuation of this small
business focus in a newly created zone is a desired outcome, it is important that additional local
conditions provide equal or greater access to the tax exemption for these local small businesses.
Central to the idea of "smart growth", policies should encourage density in areas already served
by infrastructure, which has the effect of conserving open space and irreplaceable natural
resources on the urban fringe. Benefits of smart growth development policies include a stronger
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tax base for the community, closer proximity of a range of jobs and services, increased efficiency
of already developed land and infrastructure, reduced development pressure in edge areas, and
preservation of more open space.
Although it may be difficult for specific additional conditions related to smart growth and mass
transit to meet the state's "employment opportunities" limitation, the tax exemption can be used
as a tool to "encourage" smart growth principles. The recommendation forwarded by the
Mayor' s Committee on Economic Development does incorporate principles of smart growth.
The recommendation provides greater benefits for redevelopment, infill, and brownfield
investments; and the boundary recommendation is focused on the encouragement of a dense
pattern of development within an industrial area with infrastructure already provided.
4. What definitions are being used to classify redevelopment, infill, brownfield, and greenfield
development?
Redevelopment- reusing, renewing and restoring existing structures, including structural improvements
and production improvements; removal of non-economic or outdated improvements; consolidation and
clearing of property.
Infill Development - creation of new and higher density uses for land within existing developments,
including expansion of existing facilities on adjacent property, and development of underutilized lots
within an existing development area.
Brownfield Development - abandoned, idle, or under-utilized industrial and commercial properties
where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
Greenfield Development - new development occurring on the periphery of an existing built-up area, on
a parcel of land not previously developed
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ATTACHMENT E
West
Eugene
Enterprise
Zone
Application for Designation of an
Oregon Enterprise Zone
April m, 2005
Sponsors
City of Eugene
Lane County
History of the Enterprise Zone Program in Eugene
The expired West Eugene Enterprise Zone was established in 1987, with the joint
sponsorship of both the City of Eugene and Lane County. The zone boundary included
approximately 6.5 square miles in West Eugene. The West Eugene zone expired in 1997.
During its ten-year life, 57 companies participated in the program, making it one of the
most active zones throughout the State of Oregon program. Today, 47 (82%) of the
businesses that received tax exemptions in the expired West Eugene Enterprise Zone
have maintained operations in Eugene. It is estimated that the employment of these firms
has grown by over 3,000jobs since they were initially precertified in the program.
Qualified investments made within the expired West Eugene Enterprise zone totaled over
$1.8 billion. Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing, one of the state's largest enterprise
zone investors, has made investments in excess of $1.6 billion. In addition to the large
Hynix investments (and the large investment made by HMT Technology), all other
investments made within the zone totaled $62.5 million.
Although the West Eugene Enterprise Zone expired on June 30, 1997, companies that
were participating in the program at the time of the Zone's expiration ("grandfathered"
companies) were allowed to continue to use the program's tax exemption benefits on
investments made after the expiration of the Zone. There are only two remaining
grandfathered companies, Hynix and Lanz Cabinets. Their grandfathered status will
sunset in 2007.
Expired West Eugene Enterprise Zone Highlights
Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing
Manufactures dynamic random access memory (DRAM)
and synchronous dynamic random access memory
(SDRAM). The second largest semiconductor manufacturer
in the world, one of the largest private employers in Oregon,
and presently Eugene's largest taxpayer.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $1.66 Billion
Precertified Employment: 0
Current Employment: 880
Emerald Valley Kitchen
Manufacturer of all-natural fresh salsa, dips, hummus, ., ~:: ~iii ~
and bottled cooking sauces. Constructed 19,000 sqft
production facility.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $42%000
Precertified Employment: 5
Current Employment: 18
Richardson Sports
Manufacturer of sports apparel. One of the
largest cap manufacturers in the U.S.
Enterprise Zone investment(s): $856,230
Precertified Employment: 7
Current Employment: 100
Custom Craftworks
Manufacturer of message tables. One of
the leading table manufacturers in the
world.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $1.1
million
Precertified Employment: 0
Current Employment: 55
Lanz Cabinets
Manufacturer of custom cabinets,
distributed throughout the West Coast.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $2.4
million
Precertified Employment: 22
Current Employment: 200
Oregon Precision Industries
Manufacturer of' specialty plastic products and
equipment primarily for the bottled beverage
industry.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $2.24 million
Precertified Employment: 9
Current Employment: 75
Burley Design Cooperative
Manufacturer of bicycles and bicycle trailers sold
throughout the world.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $3.7 million
Precertified Employment: 55
Current Employment: 88
Forrest Paint Co.
Manufacturer of specialty coatings distributed
world-wide. Demonstrated leadership in
ecologically responsible production practices.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $1.4 million
Precertified Employment: 40
Current Employment: 120
Industrial Adhesives
Largest manufacturer of hot melt adhesive products
on the West Coast. Products distributed world-wide.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $750,000
Precertified Employment: 13
Current Employment: 75 ~
Bulk Handling Systems
Manufacturer of sorting and recycling equipment sold
world-wide.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $104,000
Precertified Employment: 23
Current Employment: 40
GloryBee Foods
Leading supplier of natural foods and craft
supplies to consumers, businesses~ and
manufacturers worldwide.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $637,000
Precertified Employment: 26
Current Employment: 75
Shelton-Turnbull Printers
Full service commercial primer, with sales
throughout the westem U.S.
Enterprise Zone Investment(s): $2.8 million
Precertified Employment: 85
Current Employment: 120
West Eugene Enterprise Zone investments were also made by the following companies:
A & K Development Melamine Decorative Laminates
Albina Wholesale Metagenics Northwest
Ali-Phase Electric Murphy's Specialized Services
Alta Timber Northern Factory Sales
Bindery West Northwest Resource Recycling
Boxmaker Packaging Obie Industries
Cascade Fabrication Oregon Select
Carothers & Sons Orkot Engineering Plastics
Econo-Call, Inc. Pacific Display Company
Eugene Print Pacific Rim Woodworking
Forrest Paint Pacific Rollformer Mfg.
Glorybee Foods Point Control
Heli-Tech Rosen Product Development
HMT Technology Safeway Stores
Industrial Litho (Ad Group Inc.) Schaffner Cabinets
Industrial Adhesives Sew-On, Inc.
Industrial Electric Service Shamrock Steel
International Components Specialty Laminate USA
J. Co. Feed Swenson Brothers
James Heating & AC Valhall, Inc.
Johnson Crushers International Western Pneumatics
L.D. McFarland Co. Wheeler Construction
L & H Welding Willamette Valley Company
Lile International Co. Yale Material Handling Northwest
APPENDIX A
(Copies of City and County resolutions to be added)
APPENDIX B
West Eugene Enterprise Zone Boundary
\
West Eugene Ente~rise Zone Bounda~ ~ Eugene Urban Growth Bounde~
o o,3 0.6 0.9
Total ~ Eugene Ci~ L/m/ts
Amrage: 5946
Square Niles: 9.29
Ranning and Development
~bn~a~ 8, 2005
APPENDIX C
Measures of Economic Need and Hardship
A map indicating the "Targeted Community" as defined in OAR 123-065-1600(5) is
included in Appendix C-2.
Population for
whom Poverty Population with
Census Status is income Below
Tracts determined Poverty Level
003900 2,010 553
004000 2,491 597
004200 4,037 1,465
004300 6,496 819
004401 6,204 1,103
004403 4,757 1,058
004500 5,591 1,390
Total I 31,5861 6,985
Percent Below Poverty: Target Community
22.11% State Poverty Level = 11.61%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Census 2000, Summary File 3, Table P89
Per Capita Income
Census Total
Tracts Population Aggregate Income
003900 2825 45,737,200
004000 2435 43,293,000
004200 4066 48,841,600
004300 6515 111,805,100
004401 6204 102,699,200
004403 4883 67,184,400
004500 5639 99,303,100
Total:
32,567 I 518,863,600
Per Capita Income: Target Community
$15,932 State Per Capita Income = $20,940
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Census 2000, Summary File 3, Table P1, P83
Appendix C-2
West E~ ene Enter ' Zone: T~ eted Communil
~ "~ ~ [' i' ,..:
~ Miles
I~West Eugene Enterprise Zone Boundary o 0.25 0.5 0.75
~ Census Tracts
[] Enterprise Zone Target Area
City of Eugene
Planning and Development
February 8, 2005 ........
APPENDIX D
Significant Suitable Land for Enterprise Zone Development
There are approximately 5,564 acres of industrial zoned property within the Eugene
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). With 4,963 acres of industrial zoned property located
within the proposed West Eugene Enterprise Zone, 89% of the industrial property located
within the UGB will be included in the proposed Enterprise Zone boundary. A detailed
zoning map is included in Appendix D-2.
Approximately 1,792 acres of vacant land has been identified within the proposed West
Eugene Enterprise Zone boundary, of which 1,401 acres are included within parcels
greater than four acres in size. Additionally, the boundary includes an ongoing, adequate
supply of previously-developed properties actively marketed for sale or lease. These
previously-development sites are important targets for redevelopment and infill
development investments.
A portion of the vacant land within the proposed boundary is included in the Greenhill
Technology Park, which includes approximately 140 acres of vacant land. There are 40
acres within the Greenhill Technology Park that are included in the State of Oregon's
Industrial Site Certification program.
The City of Eugene has spent the past few decades planning and providing necessary
infrastructure for the industrial areas included within the proposed boundary. There is
sufficient, existing infrastructure and utility service available to all of the sites within the
proposed boundary.
A complete map of vacant land is included in Appendix D-3.
Appendix D-2
West E~ ene ' Zone: Industrial Zoning
.......... .: ...... ~
:., ~ ·
· ....!
i:::~ :'"' : '~ ....
~ Miles
West Eugene Enterprise Zone Boundary Total Industrially Zoned Acres in Enterprise Zone: 4963.26 o o,3 0.6 0.9 1..2
[] C-4, Commercial/Industrial, Acres: 42.67
City of Eugene Urban Growth Boundary
[] I-1, Campus Industrial, Acres: 446.86
[] I-2, Light / Medium Industrial: 2034.51 City of Eugene~
[] I-3, Heavy Industrial, Acres: 2439.21 Planning and Development
February 8, 2005
Appendix D-3
West E~ lene Enter ' Zone: Suitable Industrial Land
\
~; , ~ ~,~ ~:,,,i
)
,
" ~i
~ Miles
OWest Eugene £nterprisa~on~ Boun~ar~ L~nO o o.a5 o.5 0.75
~ fage~e ~6~ ~ kots ~it~ kess tba~ 4 Acres
~ kots ~it~ ~ore t~a~ 4 Acres
Ci~ of Eugene
Planning and Developmen~
~brua~ Z 200~ ~
APPENDIX E
Notification to Affected Local Taxing Districts
(Notification letters and responses to be added)
APPENDIX F
Summary of Other Economic Statistics and Circumstances
The Important Role of Manufacturing in Lane County's Economy
In Lane County, manufacturing's share of industry mix over the last 22 years has gone
from 21,250 jobs and 22 percent of total employment in 1978 to 23,660 jobs and 17
percent in 2000 (Graph 1). Over the same period, the services industry has increased its
share of industry mix from 17 percent to 27 percent, and lumber and wood products
employment decreased by 7,172 jobs, almost 50 percent. The result is a higher percent of
people working in the lower wage service sector, and a widening wage gap when
compared to Oregon and the nation (Graph 2). In 1978, annual average wages were
$32,830 in Lane County. By 2002, inflation adjusted wages had reached $29,450 after
bottoming out in 1990 at $26,950.
Lane County Historic Indus~ Mix Change
{SIC b,.~ed)
For., & Fl*h
Ce~ien & ~g
OMl~y
O O~ GA O, t 5 0:2 0.25
Inflation Adjusted Annual Average Wages
(2002 Dollars)
............................................
............................................
Manufacturing represents the second largest (14%) employment sector in Lane County,
second only to Government (16%). Not all jobs in the service sector are low paying, but
the majority pay less than those in manufacturing. The average manufacturing wage in
Lane County is approximately 20 percent higher than the County's average wage.
Because Eugene has the largest manufacturing base in the County, it is essential that
Eugene stabilize and grow its manufacturing sector employment.
In addition to the negative effects associated with changes in Lane County's industry
mix, several business closures have impacted employment opportunities in the local area
(see list below).
Business Closures
Jobs Lost
HMT Technology 350
Sony Disc Manufacturing 277
Rosen Products 225
Stream 206
Emporium Corporate Headquarters 200
Dynamix 97
Advanstar Communications 50
Total 1,405
The re-establishment of an Enterprise Zone in Eugene is seen as an important tool for
attracting new job-creating investments, particularly in the important manufacturing
sector. The Enterprise Zone is also viewed as an important tool for the retention of the
existing manufacturing employment base that is critical to the local economy.
Crime Statistics
The Eugene Police Department compiles crime data for all areas of Eugene. City-wide
data for the most serious criminal offenses (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault,
and felony drug offenses) indicates that the number of serious crimes per capita is
significantly higher within the core of the proposed West Eugene Enterprise Zone
boundary, and within areas that are immediately adjacent to the proposed boundary.
A detailed mapping of serious crime activity is included in Appendix F-2.
Growth Management and Sustainable Development
Eugene continues to absorb its developable land supply. In the context of Oregon's land
use laws, and Eugene's Growth Management Policy, redevelopment, infill development,
and brownfield development is strongly encouraged. Because these types of
development are characterized by higher costs and greater risk (when compared to
greenfield development) the Enterprise Zone tax exemption is considered to be an
important redevelopment tool which forwards the community's growth management and
sustainability goals.
Weed & Seed Crime
Per 1,000 Population
FY03 - 04
Homicide, Rape, Robbery,
Aggravated Assault & Felony Drug Offenses
........... EUGENE UGB
'~ MAJOR STREETS
RAILROAD
WATER FEATURES
FY03 - 04 W & S Crime Per 1K Population
0 ~ 0.0077
0~0077 - 0.0158
~ 0.0158 - 0.0314
~ 0,0314 - 0.0472
~ 0.0472 ~ 0.2234
SPRINGFIELD CITY LIMITS
SPRINGFIELD UGB
r-~ COBURG CITY LIMITS
N
S
I 0 1 2 Miles
Eugene Police Department
Eugene, Oregon
9f23/2004 - SOL
APPENDIX G
Summary of Education, Training, Counseling and Job Placement Opportunities
Lane Workforce Partnership
The Lane Workforce Partnership (LWP) is a workforce development organization
dedicated to assisting employers recruit and retain employees, and to help individuals
find employment and progress in their careers. LWP works with over 450 employers in
Lane County and over 5,000 Lane County residents annually. LWP is overseen by a
board of directors (the majority from business). The board is made up of representatives
from business, labor, community-based organizations, state agencies and local
government.
The Lane Workforce Partnership sets policy direction and oversees workforce
development programs under the Workforce Investment Act. In addition, LWP is the
prime contractor for the JOBS welfare-to-work program.
The Workforce Network
Created by LWP, The Workforce Network is an alliance ofworkforce organizations
including Lane Community College, Oregon Employment Department, Vocational
Rehabilitation Services, Oregon Department of Human Services, and LWP. The
Workforce network is dedicated to assisting employers recruit and retain employees, and
to help individuals leam new skills, find employment and progress in their careers.
Business services provided through The Workforce Network assist business with
staffing, recruitment, and training needs. The Workforce Network also provides tools to
aid job seekers in such areas as job search, job placement, skills enhancement and
training. The following business services are provided:
· Recruit, screen and refer applicants
· Test applicants for skills and aptitudes
· Consult on workforce needs '
· Coordinate customized skills training
· Provide a place for businesses to conduct interviews
· Provide labor market information
· Broker ofworkforce information and services
The Workforce Network also helps individuals learn new skills, find employment and
progress in their careers. Services are provided to all individuals, regardless of income or
employment status. The Workforce Network has tools to help determine what jobs best
match individual interests and skills. The following job seeker services are provided:
· Skills assessment
· Career exploration and counseling
· Job search strategies and job placement
· Resume preparation
· Job opening information
· Information on community resources
· Internet access to employment and training resources
· Executive Career Finders
Lane Community College
Lane Community College (LCC) is a comprehensive community college. The college
offers a wide variety of instructional programs including transfer credit programs,
professional tectmical degree and certificate programs, continuing education noncredit
courses, programs in English as a Seco:nd Language and International ESL, GED
programs, and customized training for local businesses. Classes are offered at many
locations, and online classes and telecourses are also available. More than 15,000
students take credit classes at LCC each year. During the 2002-03 school year, 15,299
stude:nts enrolled in credit classes and 19,095 people enrolled in :noncredit classes, iLCC
has the third largest enrollment of the 17 community colleges in Oregon.
LCC's Contract Training and customized programs are a major source for education and
training that benefits employees and employers. LCC training programs offer skill
training for employees and company-specific education and training for employers. LCC
has provided customized training in areas such as computer skills, CAD/CAM
manufacturing, metallurgy, equipment operation, productivity improvement, English as a
second language, and customer service. LCC also has the capacity to create new
company-specific training and courses.
LCC also prowides Community iEducation coursework in areas such as business skills,
computers, .job and career training, leadership and management, welding, and writing.
Lane Community College Business Development Center
The Business Development Center (BizCenter) provides practical information and a wide
range of educational services and resources for business success. The BizCenter provides
assistance to established businesses and start-ups.
The following services are provided at the BizCenter::
· develop business skills in workshops and classes for owners and employees.
· network with other owners and learn proven business practices in a
comprehensive business management program.
· develop strategies for business improvement with the help of a business advisor.
· find assistance in writing business plans and loan proposals and in preparing
financials at the Business Capital Resource Center.
· find helpful information in the books, literature, and Internet access in the
Resource Library.
· arrange customized workforce training for businesses of all sizes and types.
University of Oregon
Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, a major asset for both employment and
entrepreneurial support. The University plays a significant role in providing local
businesses with a continuous pool of highly-educated and well-trained employees.
Through the University's various colleges and professional schools, a broad range of
technical and general job-related skills are developed and enhanced. The Lundquist
College of Business, one of the best business programs in the nation, is focused on
developing skills and knowledge that foster the development of successful business
managers and entrepreneurs. The College also includes the Lundquist Center for
Entrepreneurship.
Through a variety of offerings, including both academic credit and non-credit, the
University's division of Continuing Education provides a wide range of educational
opportunities. The Continuing Education department offers corporate education
opportunities to meet the ever changing technology and business needs of professionals
in every type of industry. Training programs can be custom designed to meet specific
organizational needs. The Community Education Program provides access to credit
courses without formal admission to the University. The Sustainability Leadership
Academy provides non-credit professional development programs and credit courses for
business managers.
The University is also home to the Labor Education and Research Center (LERC) and the
Office of Technology Transfer. LERC serves as a link between the labor community and
the resources of the University, and is focused on outreach to the labor community
through its education programs and training for leadership in the workplace. The
Technology Transfer program serves as the catalyst for analyzing and fostering
discoveries that have potential for commercialization.
Northwest Christian College
Eugene is also home to Northwest Christian College (NCC). In addition to offering
undergraduate courses in Business Administration, NCC has a degree completion
program for working adults in professional areas such as Management and Management
Information Systems. NCC's Career Center links students with employers.
Southern Willamette Research Corridor
The City of Eugene is a member of the Southern Willamette Research Corridor (SWRC)
whose major focus is linking the educational assets of the region with the training and
research needs of the private sector. The mission of the SWRC Consortium is:
To stimulate and support continuing economic development and diversification in the
southern Willamette Valley.
To increase its recognition as a major research and technology center by coordinating
and promoting cooperative activities of educational institutions; industry; and local,
state, and federal government.
S WRC's primary objectives are:
Strengthening the relationship between higher education institutions, private sector
businesses and government
Facilitating the technology transfer process
Educating the public on the importance of the Research Corridor
Advocating for legislative priorities
APPENDIX H
Summary of Local Economic and Community Development History and Activities
1981 The Six-Point Program for Economic Diversification was first articulated in 1981,
during the timber recession of the early 1980s. This policy focused on economic
diversification and halting the deterioration in the local economy based on the
following long-term objectives to:
· Reduce unemployment;
· Increase quality job opportunities;
· Increase per capita net income;
· Lower commercial and industrial vacancy rates;
· Increase the city's regional retail market share; retain or increase retail
market share in downtown Eugene;
· Increase business starts and expansions.
1982 Action Plan. Within the context of the Six-Point Program for Economic
Diversification, an Action Plan was developed to carry out the program's
objectives. The plan recognized that the City's role in economic development
was best served by focusing more on long-range goals while acknowledging that
some quick steps also needed to be taken, and that diversification would occur
largely through the expansion of local firms. The plan also recognized that
financial institutions, developers, businesses, and private business associations
play a major role in successful economic development.
The 1982 Action Plan contained the following key points:
a. Industrial Siting ensured an adequate supply of industrial lands and I-1 Light
Industrial Zoned Land for the City's developable land inventory;
b. Core Area Redevelopment focused on development and redevelopment
opportunities in the central areas of Eugene. Loan assistance programs were
available for housing rehabilitation and economic development;
c. Small Business Assistance, in cooperation with the Eugene Chamber of
Commerce, Lane Community College, and the University of Oregon, took
aim at facilitating business expansion, increasing business capacity, and
streamlining the development process;
d. Destination Point Activities marketed Eugene as a tourist, convention, and
entertainment center. The Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene
Conference Center, and the Hilton Hotel all opened in the early 1980s as part
of efforts to rejuvenate Eugene's urban core;
e. Employment and Training continued the link between economic
development and the Eugene Job Training Center, recognizing that there is a
critical connection between economic development, a qualified work force,
and supporting training programs that matched available workers with
employer needs in the community;
f. Capital Improvements Program recognized that infrastructure is a
fundamental key to economic development and funded four major projects:
land acquisition for Mahlon Sweet Field, airport terminal expansion, the
Eugene Centre, and the West Eugene sewer line.
In 1985, the Action Plan was updated to better reflect the changing conditions of
the local economy.
Accomplishments of the 6-Point Plans included the creation of a) the Business
Assistance Team in 1982, b) capitalization of the Business Development Fund, c)
the start-up of the Willow Creek Park One Industrial Incubator, d) merger of City
and County job training programs, e) formation of the Eugene/Springfield
Metropolitan Partnership in 1985, f) streamlining of the City's business
development regulations, and g) creating the Permit and Information Center as a
one-stop center.
1988 Economic Development Strategic Plan. The 1988 Economic Development
Strategic Plan continued the City's crucial role in infrastructure development,
land use planning, public safety, and other essential City services. The Strategic
Plan specifically focused on positioning Eugene as a regional center for west and
southwest Oregon. Key policies in the Strategic Plan included building on
successful strategies that were implemented in the previous Action Plan with a
stronger emphasis on Eugene as a regional center.
The 1988 Economic Development Strategic Plan contained the following key
points:
a. Site Planning ensured an adequate supply of commercial and industrial
land.
b. Public Works responded to site-specific infrastructure requirements for
development requests.
c. Business Assistance/Job Retention continued efforts to increase
Eugene's business and employee capacity to respond positively to new
opportunities.
d. Marketing and Recruitment continued the City's involvement in the
Metro Partnership to recruit new businesses into the region.
e. Special Events and Cultural Affairs worked to strengthen Eugene as a
destination and events center.
f. Coordination/Evaluation stressed the importance of working with
community partners and providing an annual evaluation of the Plan.
g. Establish Eugene as the regional service center for commerce,
government, retail trade, research industries, special events, and
cultural affairs.
Desired outcomes in the Strategic Plan included the recruitment of health and
financial services industries, non-industrial recruitment, and the strengthening of
retail business in downtown Eugene.
1994 Council Committee on Economic Development. Council revisited economic
development policies in 1994. The Council Committee on Economic
Development (CCED) was reinstated to determine "what actions, if any, should
the City of Eugene take to promote economic development that benefits its
citizens?" The high-priority strategies and actions recommended by CCED
included:
a. Improve the regulatory process;
b. Develop more effective methods of providing information to persons
engaged in economic activities;
c. Assist businesses;
d. Promote an adequate supply ofbuildable sites;
e. Promote/provide adequate infrastructure to enhance competitive
environment for business; and
f. Promote local workforce quality.
Although the Council took action to generally support these strategies, a
subsequent action plan did not emerge for Council consideration. A copy of the
CCED report is attached as Appendix B.
1998 Growth Management Policies. The last economic development policy action
taken by the Council was incorporated within the 1998 Growth Management
Policies. Policy #16 directed that:
"Efforts to diversify the local economy and family wage jobs will focus on small,
local, and environmentally sensitive business. Direct available financial and
regulatory incentives to support these efforts."
Examples of possible actions in the Eugene Growth Management Study
included:
a. Create criteria to define specific public benefit that the City wishes to
achieve through its economic development efforts.
b. Refocus Enterprise Zone and other financial incentives to support the
public benefit criteria,
c. Continue efforts to streamline regulatory process to support policy
focus,
d. Continue to provide timely response to specific information requests,
e. Support neighborhood businesses and business associations,
f. Develop closer linkages with local job training agencies,
g. Adopt clear performance measures for the economic development
efforts.
2004 Mayor's Committee on Economic Development. In January 2004, the Eugene
City Council approved the Mayor's request to establish the Mayor's Committee
on Economic Development. The charge of the Committee was to identify key
actions that could have immediate effects on economic development in Eugene.
The Committee recommended that the following tools be adopted:
· The City Council should support and contribute to a regional
buildable lands analysis of available commercial and industrial land
that is consistent with state requirements and that earns broad public
support.
· The Eugene Land Use Code should be made simpler, and that it be
intuitive, adaptable, enabling to staff, logical, strategic, and fair.
Additionally, the code should be reviewed on an annual basis.
· The City Council and Budget Committee should fund a facilitator to
assist businesses with expansion, coordinate multi-agency review of
development permits, assist in developing methods and policies to help
streamline permitting process, and make recommendations on
addressing Land Use Code revisions.
· The City of Eugene should establish an Enterprise Zone. Its
boundaries should include the previous West Eugene Enterprise Zone
properties, plus a relatively small amount of adjacent industrial-zoned
properties that were not included in the previous zone.
· Urban Renewal Districts are a powerful tool for economic
development. The City should explore how this tool has been and
could be used in Eugene, looking at boundaries, governance, models,
and reinvestment strategies.
· The City of Eugene should continue to support quality infrastructure.
APPENDIX I
Summary of Proposed or Recent Enhancements to Public Services
Eugene Airport
The Eugene Airport is immediately adjacent to the westem boundary of the proposed
West Eugene Enterprise Zone. The Eugene Airport is the fifth-largest airport in the
Pacific Northwest, providing commercial air service to a six-county region in mid-
Oregon. The airport also has an expanded air cargo facility to serve the growing air cargo
demands of the region.
In 2004, the Eugene Airport received a $10 million grant from the federal Airport
Improvement Program that will be used to make airport improvements that support
future development. The improvements include construction of a new runway that runs
parallel to an existing runway, and the realignment of Greenhill Road and Airport Road.
In May 2004, Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines began twice daily non-stop jet
service between Eugene and Salt Lake City. This air service initiative is the result of a
two-year effort by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and the Eugene Airport to
secure competitive eastbound air service.
Transportation Improvements
There have been significant recent road improvements in West Eugene. The widening of
Beltline Highway, between Barger Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, has been
completed. Roosevelt has been extended from Beltline to Danebo Drive.
Improvements of over $50 million are planned for the interchange at Interstate 5 and
Beltline Hwy. The project will include the construction of a northbound to westbound
flyover; realignment of the southbound off ramp, and construction of a bike/pedestrian
bridge. Beltline Hwy, via Interstate 5, is the major access route to and from the West
Eugene industrial area.
Public Safety Station
The Bethel Public Safety Station 0IPSS) is Eugene's fourth neighborhood public safety station,
located at 464 Highway 99N in Eugene (within the proposed Enterprise Zone boundary).
Funding for the Station is jointly provided by the Bethel Weed & Seed grant and the Eugene
Police Department. The neighborhood public safety station is an element of community policing
and partnerships with a firm commitment to prevention services. The BPSS was established in
January 2004.
Bethel School District
A majority of the proposed West Eugene Enterprise Zone is included within the Bethel
School District boundary. The District has recently completed construction of two new
K-8 schools, Meadow View and Prairie Mountain. Kalapuya High School, a new
alternative high school, has also been established recently.
APPEINDIX J
Summary of Local Incentives and Regula tory Flexibility for Enterprise Zone Firms
City of Eugene Business Development Fun~
The Business Development Fund (BDF) is ~ local public financing program offered
through the City of Eugene to assist local ec )nomic development. The loan program is
designed to meet the needs of the communil y by making business loans for projects that
create new jobs. Since its establishment in ~ 984, the BDF has made loans totaling over
$12 million, resulting in over 1,400 new job created.
Lane Council of Governments Loan Progrm ts
Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) paclrages, administers, and services commercial
loans in Lane County. LCOG programs arc,, targeted towards sustaining economic
development and creating new jobs. LCOG helps business borrow from one of many
programs, including Small Business Admin.stration (SBA) and State of Oregon
programs.
Special Development Services
The City of Eugene's Building & Permit Se rvices offers Predevelopment Conferences
for projects that contain complex or multipl: issues in which a formal meeting with a
facilitator and minutes recorder would be b~..neficial. Meetings are facilitated by City
staff, and a written record is produced for th e applicant. Limited Consultations are also
offered for preliminary review of projects a~ id issues in a more informal setting.
The City's Building & Permit Services may also be able to issue Phased Building
Permits under which separate permits are i~'.sued for phased construction to increase the
time line flexibility for building permits on large projects. These phased permits enable
applicants to maintain construction schedul,:s while allowing the City adequate time for
plan review.
APPENDIX K
Summary of Attributes and Plan for Marketing
City o.f Eugene
The West Eugene Enterprise Zone will be managed and marketed by the Community
Development Division in the City of Eugene's Planning & Development Department.
The Community Development Division currently manages and markets other economic
and community development incentives and programs including:
· Business Development Fund loan program
· Commercial Revitalization Loan Fund
· Vertical Housing Development Zone
· Multi-Unit Property Tax Exemption
· Downtown Urban Renewal District
· Riverfront Urban Renewal District
· Housing Rehabilitation Loan Fund
· Homeowner Assistance Program
· Emergency Home Repair loan program
The Enterprise Zone will also be marketed jointly with the other two divisions housed
within the Planning & Development Department - Building and Permit Services and
Planning. Building and Permit Services provides permit review, land use management,
and inspection services. Planning processes land use permits and is engaged in
metropolitan and community planning. A West Eugene Enterprise Zone information site
will be created and included on the Planning & Development intemet webpage, along
with traditional marketing brochures and handouts.
Lane Metropolitan Partnership
The Lane Metro Partnership will play a vital role in the marketing of the West Eugene
Enterprise Zone. Their mission is to provide leadership for the economic development
efforts in Eugene/Springfield and throughout Lane County, fostering business investment
which creates job opportunities for our citizens and a more diverse and stable economy.
The Metro Partnership is the official source of economic development and business
information for Eugene, Springfield and Lane County Oregon.
The Metro Partnership provides all types of business information in order to support
economic development. The county's only comprehensive, computerized inventory of
vacant industrial land and buildings is maintained in an industrial site map by the Metro
Partnership. In addition, summaries of various kinds of assistance and incentive
programs; current fact sheets on utility rates, taxes, demographics; and working
knowledge of systems, development charges and related issues are a few examples of the
type of information the Lane Metro Partnership develops and provides to local and
outside companies.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
The West Eugene Enterprise Zone will also be marketed by the Eugene Area Chamber of
Commerce. The Chamber plays an active role in providing business information and
business assistance through its Business Assistance Director and Business Resource
Directory. The Chamber also conducts an annual business CONTACT program which is
an outreach program intended to identify company needs, particularly companies that are
poised for expansion and need assistance.
Local Media
The Eugene Register-Guard newspaper has a daily Business section which actively
covers local economic development projects and issues. The Zone Manager will work
with Zone participants and the media to provide coverage of companies that benefit from
the Enterprise Zone program.
APPENDIX L
Summary of Relevant Strategic Planning
Business Climate Survey
In 2003, the City of Eugene commissioned a study of"Perceptions of the Business
Climate in Eugene". Perceptions of a community's business climate have important
implications for local businesses and economic development efforts. Several themes
emerged from the data gathered for this project. First, the business community generally
has a negative image of the business climate in Eugene, and the business community
feels that the City could do more to support local business. Secondly, the study results
suggest that the business community strongly favors policies that encourage economic
growth, and that removal of economic development barriers and creation of local
economic development incentives are effective methods for improving the business
climate in Eugene.
Mayor's Committee on Economic Development
In 2004, the Mayor's Committee on Economic Development recommended the
establishment of an Enterprise Zone in Eugene. The Committee acknowledged that
Eugene has a limited number of tools available to encourage economic development, and
that Eugene's lack of an Enterprise Zone results in a competitive disadvantage for new
investment, and retention of existing investments. A subcommittee of the Mayor's
Committee was established to specifically review options for creating a new Enterprise
Zone in Eugene. The subcommittee concluded that the former West Eugene Enterprise
Zone was an effective tool for encouraging new investment, especially for existing, local
companies. The subcommittee recognized that Eugene has spent the past twenty-plus
years planning and providing infrastructure investment to the industrial properties in the
West Eugene area. Overlaying the short-term tax incentive on this area would help
assure that the City receive a long-term return on these infrastructure investments. The
subcommittee also considered ways that the Enterprise Zone could be enhanced to
promote City goals such as attractive wages and sustainable economic development. The
Mayor's Committee presented their recommendations to the Eugene City Council in
August 2004.
Buildable Lands Inventory
Consistent with the recommendation from the Mayor's Committee on Economic
Development, the City of Eugene, the City of Springfield, and Lane County have
committed funding for an analysis of available commercial and industrial land so that an
adequate supply of buildable land is maintained in support of Oregon land use laws and
community economic development goals. The analysis is expected to be completed by
the end of 2005.
APPENDIX M
Summary of Management Plan for the Enterprise Zone
Management of the West Eugene Enterprise Zone will occur within the City of Eugene's
Planning & Development Department (Community Development Division). Denny
Braud, Development Analyst in the Community Development Division, will oversee
management of the proposed West Eugene Enterprise Zone. He served as Zone Manager
for the expired West Eugene Enterprise Zone from 1993 through 1997, and has continued
to manage "grandfathered" investments in the expired zone for the past seven years.
Historically, zone management has successfully processed 74 enterprise zone tax
exemptions.
Lane County Assessment & Taxation will continue to play an active role in the
management of the proposed West Eugene Enterprise Zone. Assessment & Taxation
currently oversees management of activity in the expired West Eugene Enterprise Zone,
along with activity in four other Lane County zones - Springfield, Florence, Cottage
Grove, and Oakridge/Westfir.
APPENDIX N
Summary of Local Coordination
The City of Eugene has a history of strong intergovernmental cooperation. Local
coordination will be provided through the City of Eugene's Planning & Development
Department and its Zone Manager. The Planning & Development Department currently
oversees and coordinates various land use and regulatory issues. The City of Eugene is
an active partner with other key stakeholders including Lane County, Lane Council of
Governments, the Lane Metro Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, and the State of
Oregon. In addition, the Eugene Planning & Development Department has an active
Neighborhoods program which serves as a forum to provide information, and discuss and
resolve issues.
APPENDIX P
Summary of Public Support for Enterprise Zone
Mayor's Committee on Economic Development
In January 2004, the Eugene City Council approved the Mayor's request to establish the
Mayor's Committee on Economic Development. The City Council charged the
Committee "to provide for reviews of past economic development strategic plans,
identification of elements that are relevant today, and identification of gaps and areas of
opportunity for improvement." The Mayor called upon the Committee to forward
meaningful and specific recommendations to the City Council for consideration in the fall
of 2004.
The charge from the Mayor to the Committee was to move quickly to agreement on a few
key actions that could be accepted by the City Council and could have immediate effects
on economic development in Eugene. The Mayor acknowledged the history of
controversy in Eugene regarding economic development, and the difficulty of agreeing
on policies to encourage economic development in ways that are compatible with other
City goals regarding environmental quality, public amenity, fiscal responsibility, and
fairness. Thus, he did not charge the Committee with creating a complete economic
development plan. Rather, his hope was that the Committee members, whose
backgrounds reflect the diversity of opinions in Eugene, could find some common ground
that could be the foundation for a community-supported economic development
strategy that the City Council could adopt.
The Committee met eight times from March through July. It discussed existing economic
policies and different tools that could improve the economic climate in the City of
Eugene. The final recommendation included support for the establishment of an
enterprise zone in Eugene.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council
Financial incentives were identified by the Chamber's Economic Strategy Team to be one
of the primary tools used by successful small metropolitan communities that had a
positive economic impact on their ability to create jobs. Furthermore, they concluded that
the impact of the prior Enterprise Zone in Eugene reflected a net gain for the community.
The Chamber's Economic Development Council recommended that the City of Eugene
apply to the State of Oregon for designation of an Enterprise Zone in Eugene. A
summary of the recommendation is attached.
-(Support letters and other supporting documents to be added)
APPENDIX Q
Immediate Investment Opportunities
(Investment opportunity letters to be added)