ITEM TITLE: Have a presentation and conduct a second Public Hearing, pursuant to 62 O.S. ?859, concerning the proposed Second Amended Skills Training, Education, Development, and Investment (STEDI) Project Plan and supporting increment districts for the purpose of providing the public an opportunity to be heard in support of or opposition to the proposed Second Amended STEDI Project Plan. The approval action may be considered in a subsequent item also on the agenda for this meeting.
As required by law, a first public hearing was held on December 2, 2024, for presentation of the amended Project Plan to provide information and respond to questions.
INITIATOR: Stanley Booker, Mayor
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: John Andrew, City Attorney
BACKGROUND: On December 10, 2019, the Lawton City Council adopted the Skills Training, Education, Development and Investment (STEDI) Project Plan for the creation of tax increment financing districts, pursuant to the Oklahoma Local Development Act, 62 O.S. ? 850, et seq. ("Act"), to provide the legal and financial framework necessary to attract and support non-retail business expansion in the City's West Side Industrial Park and the Airport Industrial Park, and thereafter approved a minor amendment on December 29, 2023 to further refine and clarify the City's strategies, objectives, and goals outlined therein.
This Second Amended STEDI Project Plan provides the necessary financial and legal authorizations for the City of Lawton to continue implementing its long-range strategy for Skills Training, Education, Development, and Investment. This is essential for fostering public-private partnerships that promote Non-Retail Business development in Lawton, ultimately leading to thousands of new jobs, several hundred million dollars of new private investment, and an enhanced quality of life for the community. The Non-Retail Business growth and expansion may include innovative businesses, high-technology businesses, and light industri...
Click here for full text