COMMITTEE
SUBSTITUTE FOR RESOLUTION NO. 160620
Requesting that Community
Benefits Agreements be incorporated into future agreements for economic
development undertakings between development entities and entities with the
authority to issue tax increment financing or grant tax abatement; directing
the City Manager to develop a process for Community Benefit Agreements to be
negotiated between development entities and the Construction Workforce Board;
directing the City Manager to develop a database of organizations with
knowledge of residents who are seeking construction employment opportunities
and a process for a liaison to assist developers in utilizing this resource;
directing the City Manager to conduct an analysis of the current availability of
Kansas City resident workers in the construction industry; and directing the
City Manager to pursue funding options for a disparity study related to the
hiring of Kansas City residents.
WHEREAS, the Council believes the financial stability
created by jobs for Kansas City residents is an indispensable part of a
successful community; and
WHEREAS, the Council desires to increase the opportunities
for residents to be employed in local projects receiving tax increment
financing or tax abatement; and
WHEREAS, the Council believes that using local sources for
workers and expertise produces the most immediate economic benefit to the
workers and businesses of Kansas City; and
WHEREAS, Community Benefits Agreements are a tool that can
incorporate resources to address job creation and longevity in the workplace;
and
WHEREAS, Community Benefits Agreements are being entered
into across the United States between local communities and developers to
provide specific benefits to the community most immediately affected by a
proposed development; and
WHEREAS, lack of access to transportation, childcare, and
training are examples of obstacles that inhibit the longevity of workers in
their positions; and
WHEREAS, taxpayer resources are often utilized by projects
constructed by agreements between development entities and entities with the
authority to issue tax increment financing or grant tax abatement; and
WHEREAS, the Council believes these development agreements
would better serve the Kansas City community if Community Benefits Agreements
that contain hiring opportunities were a part of the development agreements;
and
WHEREAS, the Council desires for Community Benefit
Agreements to be incorporated into future development agreements entered into
by development entities and entities with the authority to issue tax increment
financing or grant tax abatement; and
WHEREAS, the City enters into an annual contract with the
Economic Development Corporation to provide support for the entities with the
authority to issue tax increment financing or grant tax abatement; and
WHEREAS, the Council believes a database of organizations
with knowledge of residents who are seeking construction employment
opportunities would be beneficial to both developers and residents; and
WHEREAS, the Council believes the City’s Construction
Workforce Board is a valuable resource for input on hiring opportunities in the
construction industry; and
WHEREAS, the Council seeks additional information on the
hiring of local residents and; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That the Council requests that Community
Benefits Agreements be incorporated into future agreements for economic
development undertakings entered into after January 1, 2017 by development
entities and entities with the authority to issue tax increment financing or
grant tax abatement.
Section 2. That the Council directs the City Manager to
establish a process within 60 days whereby future Community Benefit Agreements
can be developed and entered into between development entities and the
Construction Workforce Board.
Section 3. That the Council directs the City Manager to
develop a database of organizations with knowledge of residents who are seeking
employment opportunities and develop a process for a liaison to assist
developers in utilizing this resource.
Section 4. That the Council directs the City Manager to
conduct an analysis of the current availability of Kansas City resident workers
in the construction industry.
Section 5. That the Council directs the City Manager to
pursue funding options for a disparity study for the purpose of identifying any
disparities in the hiring of Kansas City residents, the causes of those
disparities, and solutions for remedying those disparities.
Section 6. That the Council directs the City Manager to
identify funding options for staff positions to support Community Benefit
Agreements.
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