02/13/2007
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AGENDA
Location: Council Chambers - City Hall
Date: 2/13/2007- 1 :30 PM
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the January 29, 2007 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the City
Clerk
I@l Attachments
3. CRA Items
3.1 Adopt proposed Community Redevelopment Agency policy entitled "Use of Tax Increment Funds", dated
February 13,2007.
I@l Attachments
4. Other Business
5. Adjourn
Meeting Date:2/13/2007
Community Redevelopment
Agency Agenda
Council Chambers - City Hall
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the January 29,2007 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Review Approval: 1) Clerk
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 3
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 29, 2007
Unapproved
Present:
Frank Hibbard
J. B.Johnson
William C. Jonson
Carlen Petersen
John Doran
Chair/CRA Trustee
CRA Trustee
CRA Trustee
CRA Trustee - departed 2:41 p.m.
CRA Trustee
Also present:
William B. Horne II
Garry Brumback
Rod Irwin
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Rosemarie Call
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager/CRA Executive Director
City Attorney
City Clerk
Administrative Analyst
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1 :30 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Community Redevelopment Agency Items
2.1 Approval of 1-16-2007 CRA (Community Redevelopment Aqency) minutes
Trustee Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 16,
2007, as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Trustee. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2.2 Approve the extension of the Aqreement for Development and Disposition of Property
between the Community Redevelopment Aqency of the City of Clearwater, Florida and the Balk
Company, Inc., effective March 4,2002, and previously extended on January 16, 2007 until the
end of business on Monday, February 13, 2007 for the sole and exclusive purpose of
considerinq assiqnment of the developer's interest to the Fairway Development Group, Inc. of
Sarasota, Florida.
The CRA Executive Director and City Attorney are recommending the extension to
February 26, 2007 to complete due diligence on the proposed assignment. Robert Murray,
principal of Fairway Development Group, is looking at a redesign with a mixed-use project in
concert with downtown plans. The assignment could be conditioned on development approval.
Trustee Johnson moved to approve the extension of the Agreement for Development
and Disposition of Property between the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of
Clearwater, Florida and the Balk Company, Inc., effective March 4, 2002, and previously
extended on January 16, 2007, until the end of business on Monday, February 26, 2007, for the
sole and exclusive purpose of considering assignment of the developer's interest to the Fairway
Development Group, Inc. of Sarasota, Florida. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Community Redevelopment Agency 2007-01-29
Item # 1
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 3
2.3 Adopt proposed Community Redevelopment Aqency policy entitled "Use of Tax Increment
Funds", dated January 29,2007.
Pursuant to indications by the Trustees at recent CRA meetings that there was a desire
for a more formal policy to govern the use of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funds, staff has
prepared a TIF utilization policy for the CRA. This was discussed at the January 16, 2007 CRA
meeting, after which changes were incorporated to reflect the discussion.
This proposed policy represents a synthesis of several Florida CRA policies governing
TIF utilization, "best practices" gleaned from annual meetings such as the Florida
Redevelopment Association and the Government Finance Officers Association, as well as direct
staff experience. It has been "tailored" to fit Clearwater's overall operations and procedures.
Comments by the Finance Director and City Attorney have been incorporated.
This policy is intended to meet three objectives; 1) establish an empirical basis for the
allocation of TIF funds to private and public development projects; 2) provide Trustee guidance
to CRA staff on the utilization of TIF funds generated in the CRA; and, 3) allow the public and
development interests to understand the process and bases upon which decisions to allocate
TIF funds will be made by the CRA.
Discussion ensued. Suggestions were made to expand the objectives to include
a supportive infrastructure statement and incorporate elements of the visioning process, add a
criteria for projects that show an earlier visual improvement, and ensure affordable housing is
available to all ranges of household income levels.
Concerns with timeframe for project completion and subjectivity of policy were
expressed. It was noted all criteria will be used to evaluate proposed projects and TIF will be
available for projects considered to be in the City's best interest, not just those with financial
needs.
Staff will incorporate the suggested changes and bring back a final document.
2.4 Discussion regarding the CRA Six-year Plan
CRA Executive Director Rod Irwin reviewed the CRA Six-year Plan, which includes all
known expenses, revenues, and projections for anticipated needs.
In response to a question, Finance Director Margie Simmons said only 50% of the TIF
(Tax Increment Financing) from a project would be used for that project and the CRA will last
until at least 2019.
It was noted this six-year plan is a framework, not a budget or commitment. It was
suggested more discussion is needed regarding expenditures, retail incentives, and property
acquisition prior to formalizing the Plan. It was requested funds for streetlights and sidewalks
be included. As the implementation guidelines are determined and more information is
available, staff will bring forward an update. In response to a question, Mr. Irwin said the East
Gateway project report will come forward at the end of the year.
Trustee Jonson moved that the CRA identify $250,000 out of the balance anticipated at
the end of this year to go to completion of sidewalks and resolving deficiencies in streetlights in
the CRA area and to have that in the current year budget.
Community Redevelopment Agency 2007-01-29
ltem # 1
Attachment number 1
Page 3 of 3
It was suggested more information regarding the actual needs for downtown street lights
and sidewalks be obtained prior to setting a specific dollar amount.
Trustee Jonson withdrew his motion.
3. Other Business - None.
4. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.
Chair
Community Redevelopment Agency
Attest:
City Clerk
Community Redevelopment Agency 2007-01-29
ltem # 1
Meeting Date:2/13/2007
Community Redevelopment
Agency Agenda
Council Chambers - City Hall
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt proposed Community Redevelopment Agency policy entitled "Use of Tax Increment Funds", dated February 13,2007.
SUMMARY:
Pursuant to indications by the Board at recent CRA meetings that there was a desire for a more formal policy to govern the use of TIF
funds, staff has prepared a TIF utilization policy for the CRA. This was discussed at the January 16th and January 29th, 2007 CRA
meetings, after which changes were incorporated to reflect the discussion.
This proposed policy represents a synthesis of several Florida CRA policies governing TIF utilization, "best practices" gleaned from
annual meetings such as the Florida Redevelopment Association and the Government Finance Officers Association, as well as direct
staff experience. It has been "tailored" to fit Clearwater's overall operations and procedures. Comments by the Finance Director and
City Attorney have been incorporated.
This policy is intended to meet three objectives; 1) establish an empirical basis for the allocation of TIF funds to private and public
development projects; 2) provide Board guidance to CRA staff on the utilization of TIF funds generated in the CRA; and, 3) allow the
public and development interests to understand the process and bases upon which decisions to allocate TIF funds will be made by the
CRA.
Review Approval: 1) Clerk
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 6
Community Redevelopment Agency
Use of Tax Increment Funds
Policy
February 13, 2007
I. Purpose Statement
The purpose of this policy is to:
A. Guide Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board and staff in
preparing analysis and recommendations regarding the use of Tax
Increment Financing (TIF)1 as well as negotiating contract terms with
developers;
B. Guide CRA staff in negotiating Term Sheets and proposed Development
Agreements with developers seeking TIF assistance;
e. Provide framework within which the CRA Board and the CRA staff can
evaluate and compare proposed uses of TIF; and
D. Inform the development community and the public of the CRA's position
on the use of TIF and the process through which decisions regarding the
commitment of the funds are to be made.
II. Redevelopment Objectives
The use of TIF funds is intended to facilitate the following redevelopment
objectives:
A. Implement redevelopment projects that meet and further the objectives of,
and are consistent with the principles and goals in, the Clearwater
Downtown Redevelopment Plan, adopted by the City Commission on
December 4,2003 (Plan), and as subsequently amended.
B. Expand the Downtown Clearwater economic base to create increased
employment, economic activity, and sustainable development.
e. Provide an increased array of housing types that are affordable to all
ranges of household income levels.
D. Insure adequate public infrastructure within the Downtown that is
supportive of the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
1 For purposes of this Policy, "Tax Increment Financing" means the use of funds in the CRA Community
Redevelopment Trust Fund to provide project financial assistance.
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 6
E. Create a distinctive, vibrant Downtown consistent with Clearwater's
vision to:
i. Provide a safe, comfortable and walkable Downtown.
ii. Provide a vibrant Downtown that is mindful of its heritage where
everyone can feel welcome and all elements of city life come together.
III. General Guidelines in the Use of Tax Increment Financing
A. Private Developments
The use of TIF to incentivize and/or assist private development in the
redevelopment area shall be determined as follows:
1. TIF will only be used when a clearly defined redevelopment objective
is served and only to the degree necessary to accomplish that
development objective.
2. TIF will only be used to assist private development when it is
demonstrated by both the developer and CRA/City staff analysis that
"but for" the amount of tax increment assistance being requested the
redevelopment project as a whole, or the portion thereof directly
related to the redevelopment objective, would not occur.
3. Tax Increment Financing will only be used in cases when: (i) the CRA
has the financial capacity to provide the needed project financial
assistance; (ii) the CRA deems it fiscally prudent to provide such
assistance; and (iii) the developer can clearly demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the CRA that the proposed redevelopment project will
be able to meet the financial and public purpose commitments outlined
in the redevelopment agreement between the CRA and the developer.
4. The CRA and the City will seek opportunities to recapture the amount
of the project financial assistance, to the maximum extent feasible,
after allowing the developer a reasonable return.
B. Public Improvements
The use of TIF to fund public infrastructure improvements developed by
the City of Clearwater (City) and/or the CRA that are funded (partially or
wholly) by tax increment funds will be prioritized using the CRA's Five
Year Capital Plan and the City's Capital Improvement Plan2.
Criteria for evaluating proposed projects shall include:
2 Use of tax increment funds to pay for infrastructure projects in the City's CIP will comply with the
limitations set forth in s. 163.370(2), Florida Statutes.
2
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 3 of 6
1. The project's consistency with the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan;
2. The project's strategic importance i.e. its need to proceed prior to the
implementation of other high priority projects in achieving the
objectives of the Plan;
3. The project's costlbenefit ratio;
4. The project's ability to leverage other public funds and/or private
investment.
5. The project's ability to provide an early visual improvement to the
Downtown redevelopment district.
IV. Evaluation Criteria for Private Project Assistance Requests
Requests for TIF funds should be consistent with the following evaluation
criteria:
A. Compliance with the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan - All
projects must be consistent with and further the objectives of the
Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan. A developer seeking project
financial assistance must demonstrate that the project is in compliance
with the then current version of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan
including statements justifying the public purpose of any proposed
development.
B. Need for Public Assistance - The need for public assistance must be
demonstrated and documented by the developer to the satisfaction of
CRA/City staff and the CRA. Documentation must demonstrate that "but
for" the amount of tax increment assistance being requested the
development project as a whole, or the portion thereof directly related to
the redevelopment objective, would not occur.
All such documentation, including development budgets, cash flow
projections, market studies and other financial and market information,
must be submitted by the developer in accordance with the CRA's
requirements in order to be considered for funding.
The request for project financial assistance must be based on financial
considerations, so the developer must demonstrate to the satisfaction of
the CRA the profitability and feasibility of the project (i.e. gross profit,
cash flow before taxes, cash-on-cash return, IRR, etc.), both with and
without TIF.
In determining the timing and magnitude of TIF assistance, however, the
staff shall in the first instance be directed by the Board desire that not
3
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 4 of 6
more than fifty (50) percent of the anticipated Tax Increment Fund yield
over the first five stabilized years of operation of a project be considered
for project assistance. However, the Executive Director may recommend a
higher percentage in any particular case where the financial and/or public
benefit circumstances support a higher allocation.
This fifty (50) percent threshold shall not apply to public-private
partnerships, joint ventures or other similar joint development projects
where the CRA is investing in or acquiring public facilities/improvements
(i. e. public parking) and utilizing TIF to fund the facilities/improvements.
e. Amount of Public Assistance versus Private Investment - A
redevelopment proposal requesting TIF assistance must maximize the ratio
of private investment to public assistance. Public assistance as a
percentage of total development costs will be determined for each project
(or discrete portion of the project receiving Tax Increment Financing
assistance) and compared to other redevelopment projects or subprojects
of similar scope and magnitude in the downtown redevelopment area,
whenever possible.
D. Term of Public Assistance - The length of the term of the TIF assistance
shall be kept to the minimum necessary to achieve the desired result. The
proposed term of any TIF assistance shall be fully documented and
presented to the CRA Board.
E. Development Benefits and Costs - The direct and indirect benefits of the
proposed redevelopment project shall be determined and quantified to the
extent possible. Benefits may include, but are not limited to: (i)
employment (i.e., number of jobs retained or created, percentage of jobs
held by City residents, wage and salary information, etc.); (ii) tax base
effect (i.e., estimated market value of new development, new property
taxes generated, etc.); (iii) housing stock created or enhanced (number of
new rental or ownership units, sale price or rental rates of units, etc.); and
(iv) other benefits relating to the CRA's and City's redevelopment objects.
Direct costs of the proposed redevelopment to both the CRA and the City
shall also be identified. Such costs shall include, but are not limited to: (i)
additional required infrastructure; (ii) proposed waiver of fees; (iii)
ongoing expense impact on the CRA and/or City budget. The timeframe
used for these cost estimates shall equal the time frame of the proposed
Tax Increment Financing assistance and shall separately identify any
projected recapture of Tax Increment Financing funds.
F. Recapture of Public Subsidy - It is the CRA's goal to recapture as great a
percentage as feasible of the TIF assistance. Methods to recapture shall
include, but shall not be limited to: long-term ground leases; loans; sale
and/or refinancing provisions; and, equity participation, to the extent
4
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 5 of 6
permitted by law.
V. Economic Analysis and Risk Assessment Process
A. Proposed uses of TIF will be subject to rigorous economic analysis and
risk assessment. CRA and City staff, as well as consultants when
necessary, will conduct the analysis and assessment process. Analysis and
assessment reports to the CRA Executive Director will include:
1. Public Purpose served by the requested financial assistance to the
project;
2. Demonstrated need for public investment or subsidy (the "but for"
test);
3. Developer's financial capacity and experience;
4. Risks associated with the project;
5. Impacts on the CRA capacity of the Redevelopment Trust Fund,
taking into account current and future demands on money in the Fund;
6. Impacts, be they positive or negative, on other private sector projects
where TIF has been or is being provided or committed;
7. Ratio of the amount of public financial assistance to private
investment3.
8. Action to be taken by the CRA as recommended by the CRA
Executive Director and/or consultants.
B. Projects requesting TIF funding may, at the discretion of the CRA
Executive Director, be subjected to a more extensive review and
evaluation, including appropriate market analysis.
VI. Use of City and County Portion of TIF
Not withstanding any provision of this policy, the portion of TIF received by
the CRA representing the Pinellas County tax levy on properties in the CRA
area shall only be expended on uses authorized for such purpose by the Board
of County Commissioners. Currently, authorized uses are: capital
improvements; land acquisition; and, environmental remediation (Ordinance
7153-03, as amended by Ordinance 7231-03).
3 "Private investment" refers to land, soft and hard construction costs appropriate to the type of
development contemplated, which shall be solely determined by the CRA.
5
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 6 of 6
Not withstanding any provision of this policy, the portion of TIF received by
the CRA representing the City of Clearwater tax levy on properties in the
CRA area shall only be expended on uses authorized for such purpose by the
Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan, effective February 3, 2004.
Currently, authorized uses are: CRA area brownfields environmental cleanup;
CRA building fa<;ade improvement program; downtown land acquisition;
CRA redevelopment incentive funding; retail lease /location incentives; CRA
affordable and transitional housing project expenditures identified for TIF in
the CIP of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan; and, CRA revolving loan
fund.
VII. Documentation of Tax Increment Financing Assistance
Redevelopment Agreement - TIF assistance will be provided to a
redevelopment project only through and in accordance with the terms of a
Redevelopment Agreement entered into between the developer and the CRA.
Interlocal Agreement- Any participation by the City will be subject to and
governed by an interlocal agreement between the City and the CRA.
VIII. ChangeslWaiver
This policy may be changed or waived by the CRA board on a case-by-case
basis as deemed appropriate.
6
Item # 2
Attachment number 2
Page 1 of 6
Community Redevelopment Agency
Use of Tax Increment Funds
Policy
2007
I. Purpose Statement
The purpose of this policy is to:
A. Guide Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board and staff in
preparing analysis and recommendations regarding the use of Tax
Increment Financing (TIF)1 as well as negotiating contract terms with
developers;
B. Guide CRA staff in negotiating Term Sheets and proposed Development
Agreements with developers seeking TIF assistance;
e. Provide framework within which the CRA Board and the CRA staff can
evaluate and compare proposed uses of TIF; and
D. Inform the development community and the public of the CRA's position
on the use of TIF and the process through which decisions regarding the
commitment of the funds are to be made.
II. Redevelopment Objectives
The use of TIF funds is intended to facilitate the following redevelopment
objectives:
A. Implement redevelopment projects that meet and further the objectives of,
and are consistent with the principles and goals in, the Clearwater
Downtown Redevelopment Plan, adopted by the City Commission on
December 4,2003 (Plan), and as subsequently amended.
B. Expand the Downtown Clearwater economic base to create increased
employment, economic activity, and sustainable development.
e. Provide an increased array of housing types that are affordable to all if
broad range~ of household income levels.
D. Insure adequate public infrastructure within the Downtown that is
supportive of the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
1 For purposes of this Policy, "Tax Increment Financing" means the use of funds in the CRA Community
Redevelopment Trust Fund to provide project financial assistance.
Item # 2
Attachment number 2
Page 2 of 6
E. Create a distinctive, vibrant Downtown consistent with Clearwater's
vision to:
1.
ii. Provide a vibrant Downtown that is mindful of if's heritage where
everyone can feel welcome and all elements of city life come together.
III.1lI. General Guidelines in the Use of Tax Increment Financing
A. Private Developments
The use of TIF to incentivize and/or assist private development in the
redevelopment area shall be determined as follows:
1. TIF will only be used when a clearly defined redevelopment objective
is served and only to the degree necessary to accomplish that
development objective.
2. TIF will only be used to assist private development when it is
demonstrated by both the developer and CRA/City staff analysis that
"but for" the amount of tax increment assistance being requested the
redevelopment project as a whole, or the portion thereof directly
related to the redevelopment objective, would not occur.
3. Tax Increment Financing will only be used in cases when: (i) the CRA
has the financial capacity to provide the needed project financial
assistance; (ii) the CRA deems it fiscally prudent to provide such
assistance; and (iii) the developer can clearly demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the CRA that the proposed redevelopment project will
be able to meet the financial and public purpose commitments outlined
in the redevelopment agreement between the CRA and the developer.
4. The CRA and the City will seek opportunities to recapture the amount
of the project financial assistance, to the maximum extent feasible,
after allowing the developer a reasonable return.
B. Public Improvements
The use of TIF to fund public infrastructure improvements developed by
the City of Clearwater (City) and/or the CRA that are funded (partially or
wholly) by tax increment funds will be prioritized using the CRA's Five
Year Capital Plan and the City's Capital Improvement Plan2.
Criteria for evaluating proposed projects shall include:
2 Use of tax increment funds to pay for infrastructure projects in the City's CIP will comply with the
limitations set forth in s. 163.370(2), Florida Statutes.
2
Item # 2
Attachment number 2
Page 3 of 6
1. The project's consistency with the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan;
2. The project's strategic importance i.e. its need to proceed prior to the
implementation of other high priority projects in achieving the
objectives of the Plan;
3. The project's costlbenefit ratio;
4. The project's ability to leverage other public funds and/or private
investment.
5. The project's ability to provide an early visual improvement to the
Downtown redevelopment district.
IV. Evaluation Criteria for Private Project Assistance Requests
Requests for TIF funds should be consistent with the following evaluation
criteria:
A. Compliance with the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan - All
projects must be consistent with and further the objectives of the
Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan. A developer seeking project
financial assistance must demonstrate that the project is in compliance
with the then current version of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan
including statements justifying the public purpose of any proposed
development.
B. Need for Public Assistance - The need for public assistance must be
demonstrated and documented by the developer to the satisfaction of
CRA/City staff and the CRA. Documentation must demonstrate that "but
for" the amount of tax increment assistance being requested the
development project as a whole, or the portion thereof directly related to
the redevelopment objective, would not occur.
All such documentation, including development budgets, cash flow
projections, market studies and other financial and market information,
must be submitted by the developer in accordance with the CRA's
requirements in order to be considered for funding.
The request for project financial assistance must be based on financial
considerations, so the developer must demonstrate to the satisfaction of
the CRA the profitability and feasibility of the project (i.e. gross profit,
cash flow before taxes, cash-on-cash return, IRR, etc.), both with and
without TIF.
In determining the timing and magnitude of TIF assistance, however, the
staff shall in the first instance be directed by the Board desire that not
3
Item # 2
Attachment number 2
Page 4 of 6
more than fifty (50) percent of the anticipated Tax Increment Fund yield
over the first five stabilized years of operation of a project be considered
for project assistance. However, the Executive Director may recommend a
higher percentage in any particular case where the financial and/or public
benefit circumstances seem to support a higher allocation.
This fifty (50) percent threshold shall not apply to public-private
partnerships, joint ventures or other similar joint development projects
where the CRA is investing in or acquiring public facilities/improvements
(i. e. public parking) and utilizing TIF to fund the facilities/improvements.
e. Amount of Public Assistance versus Private Investment - A
redevelopment proposal requesting TIF assistance must maximize the ratio
of private investment to public assistance. Public assistance as a
percentage of total development costs will be determined for each project
(or discrete portion of the project receiving Tax Increment Financing
assistance) and compared to other redevelopment projects or subprojects
of similar scope and magnitude in the downtown redevelopment area,
whenever possible.
D. Term of Public Assistance - The length of the term of the TIF assistance
shall be kept to the minimum necessary to achieve the desired result. The
proposed term of any TIF assistance shall be fully documented and
presented to the CRA Board.
E. Development Benefits and Costs - The direct and indirect benefits of the
proposed redevelopment project shall be determined and quantified to the
extent possible. Benefits may include, but are not limited to: (i)
employment (i.e., number of jobs retained or created, percentage of jobs
held by City residents, wage and salary information, etc.); (ii) tax base
effect (i.e., estimated market value of new development, new property
taxes generated, etc.); (iii) housing stock created or enhanced (number of
new rental or ownership units, sale price or rental rates of units, etc.); and
(iv) other benefits relating to the CRA's and City's redevelopment objects.
Direct costs of the proposed redevelopment to both the CRA and the City
shall also be identified. Such costs shall include, but are not limited to: (i)
additional required infrastructure; (ii) proposed waiver of fees; (iii)
ongoing expense impact on the CRA and/or City budget. The timeframe
used for these cost estimates shall equal the time frame of the proposed
Tax Increment Financing assistance and shall separately identify any
projected recapture of Tax Increment Financing funds.
F. Recapture of Public Subsidy - It is the CRA's goal to recapture as great a
percentage as feasible of the TIF assistance. Methods to recapture shall
include, but shall not be limited to: long-term ground leases; loans; sale
and/or refinancing provisions; and, equity participation, to the extent
4
Item # 2
Attachment number 2
Page 5 of 6
permitted by law.
V. Economic Analysis and Risk Assessment Process
A. Proposed uses of TIF will be subject to rigorous economic analysis and
risk assessment. CRA and City staff, as well as consultants when
necessary, will conduct the analysis and assessment process. Analysis and
assessment reports to the CRA Executive Director will include:
1. Public Purpose served by the requested financial assistance to the
project;
2. Demonstrated need for public investment or subsidy (the "but for"
test);
3. Developer's financial capacity and experience;
4. Risks associated with the project;
5. Impacts on the CRA capacity of the Redevelopment Trust Fund,
taking into account current and future demands on money in the Fund;
6. Impacts, be they positive or negative, on other private sector projects
where TIF has been or is being provided or committed;
7. Ratio of the amount of public financial assistance to private
investment3.
8. Action to be taken by the CRA as recommended by the CRA
Executive Director and/or consultants.
B. Projects requesting TIF funding may, at the discretion of the CRA
Executive Director, be subjected to a more extensive review and
evaluation, including appropriate market analysis.
VI. Use of City and County Portion of TIF
Not withstanding any provision of this policy, the portion of TIF received by
the CRA representing the Pinellas County tax levy on properties in the CRA
area shall only be expended on uses authorized for such purpose by the Board
of County Commissioners. Currently, authorized uses are: capital
improvements; land acquisition; and, environmental remediation (Ordinance
7153-03, as amended by Ordinance 7231-03).
3 "Private investment" refers to land, soft and hard construction costs appropriate to the type of
development contemplated, which shall be solely determined by the CRA.
5
Item # 2
Attachment number 2
Page 6 of 6
Not withstanding any provision of this policy, the portion of TIF received by
the CRA representing the City of Clearwater tax levy on properties in the
CRA area shall only be expended on uses authorized for such purpose by the
Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan, effective February 3, 2004.
Currently, authorized uses are: CRA area brownfields environmental cleanup;
CRA building fa<;ade improvement program; downtown land acquisition;
CRA redevelopment incentive funding; retail lease /location incentives; CRA
affordable and transitional housing projectsi expenditures identified for TIF in
the CIP of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan; and, CRA revolving loan
fund.
VII. Documentation of Tax Increment Financing Assistance
Redevelopment Agreement - TIF assistance will be provided to a
redevelopment project only through and in accordance with the terms of a
Redevelopment Agreement entered into between the developer and the CRA.
Interlocal Agreement- Any participation by the City will be subject to and
governed by an interlocal agreement between the City and the CRA.
VIII. ChangeslWaiver
This policy may be changed or waived by the CRA board on a case-by-case
basis as deemed appropriate.
6
Item # 2