Department: Economic Equity and Opportunity
Department Head/Elected Official: Diana A Ramirez, Executive Director
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Discussion Item
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity for discussion and possible action on replacement of the Guidelines and Criteria for Entering into 381 Agreements in Harris County approved on June 12, 2012 with a policy establishing a competitive grant program.
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Background and Discussion:
Current Program
On June 12, 2012, Commissioners Court adopted the "Guidelines and Criteria for Entering into 381 Agreements in Harris County" (Guidelines) (Attached). The Guidelines require a three-fourths majority vote of the full Commissioners Court for any variance to the Guidelines and did not include a sunset provision. When the Guidelines were approved, the program was embedded in the Community Services Department. It was subsequently moved to the Budget Management Department and finally to DEEO soon after the department was created.
The Guidelines established that economic development organizations (EDOs) with approved agreements with the County would provide the following activities:
1. Build the County tax base
2. Create new employment
3. Retain existing jobs
4. Create an economic climate conducive to development and growth of business investment and commerce
5. Enhance the quality of life for all citizens residing or working within the County
6. Create economic diversification to provide for stable and consistent growth
7. Promote the County as THE location of choice for new, expanding, and relocating businesses
8. Attract new businesses and developments to the County
9. Enco...
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