The Reason Why We Like The Progress For Grand Island Plan To Pass Lb840 In The Spring

By Author: allan
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In tight economic times the tendency is to pull back, to conserve resources and to cut costs. New programs are put on hold; some projects are delayed. But vision and planning should never be lost when a community is trying to build a broad, sound economic base, the kind that weathers tough times. That is why we like the Progress for Grand Island plan to pass LB840 in the spring. LB840 is the Nebraska law, on the books since 1991, that allows cities to use part of their general fund for unrestricted economic development efforts.

Grand Island now antes up $ 350 000 for economic development. Those funds are used by the Economic Development Corporation but restricted primarily to promotion and advertising efforts. Money for incentives and training are prohibited. In the highly competitive world of recruitment and retention of businesses, incentives and training are key components to attract new industries and retain current ones. Progress for Grand Island wants voters in May to OK an additional $ 400 000 to be added to the economic development kitty. It will be money well spent.

We also like the law's sunshine ...
... components. After a project goes to a citizen review committee, the final say comes through the city council, making any plans and its documents public. That gives an accountability sometimes lost when companies insist that their interest in relocating be kept secret lest competitors take advantage. While on occasion we differ with that view, we also understand the nature of the beast. Still, fair comment and criticism — allowed for under LB840 — is the basis for healthy accountability.

We also have a twinge of discomfort over just how the city will be able to come up with $400 000 from what has been generally considered and publicly called a tight budget. LB840 would not generate a new tax, but still is tax money. A shift in priorities will be necessary, one we would hope the city will spell out clearly for taxpayers. Nevertheless, we support Progress for Grand Island. There is no time like the present, actually May 6, to get a leg up on competitors by passing the use of LB840.