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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