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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Bill Wiet, Chief Development Services Officer
DATE: February 15, 2016
SUBJECT:
To appoint the Seize the Future Development Foundation, a/k/a/ Invest Aurora, as the Designated Zone Organization for the River Edge Redevelopment Zone in the City of Aurora.
PURPOSE:
A Designated Zone Organization (DZO) can by State Statute perform a variety of projects, programming and public services that would be of benefit to the Aurora River Edge Redevelopment Zone. The City of Aurora, through its designated Zone Administrator, will continue to act as the liaison between the DZO and the State of Illinois. .
BACKGROUND:
The attached memo from Invest Aurora outlines some of the benefits of DZOs. Particular benefits outlined include allowing the municipality, through a DZO, additional leverage with property owners in the River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ). This can include donation tax credits for properties that can be at double the value of the contribution. This is a valuable tool should owners desire to part with properties for redevelopment purposes. DZO's can also solicit cash or in-kind contributions, again, for approved programs and projects in the RERZ.
DISCUSSION:
Development interest in the downtown, and along the Fox River, has continued to increase over the years. I believe a Designated Zone Organization is another tool at a municipality's disposal to further redevelopment efforts for the benefit of the community.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Given the functions to the DZO, there would be a positive impact on the RERZ, and would not negatively affect the General Public, or other departments and divisions.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the Ordinance appointing Seize the Future Development Foundation a/k/a Invest Aurora as the Designated Zone Organization for the Aurora River Edge Redevelopment Zone be approved.
cc: Alderman Saville, Chairman
Alderman Donnell
Alderman Irvin
Alderman Hart-Burns, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance Appointing Seize the Future Development Foundation a/k/a/ Invest Aurora as the Designated Zone Organization for the Aurora River Zone, an Illinois River Edge Redevelopment Zone
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Section 10 of Article 7 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 authorizes units of local government to contract and otherwise associate with individuals, associations and corporations in any manner not prohibited by law or ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois General Assembly on July 12, 2006 enacted the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Act, Public Act 94-1021 (hereinafter “the Act”); and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2016 the City of Aurora approved and enacted Ordinance No. 006-131, “An Ordinance Establishing A River Edge Redevelopment Zone To Be Known As The “Aurora River Zone” In The City Of Aurora, Illinois”; and
WHEREAS, on October 28, 2014 the City of Aurora approved and enacted Ordinance No. 014-061, “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 006-131 Approving An Expansion To The River Edge Redevelopment Zone Known As The “Aurora River Zone” In The City Of Aurora”; and
WHEREAS, the Act allows the City of Aurora, by ordinance, to delegate functions within the Aurora River Zone to one or more Designated Zone Organization(s) (“DZO”); and
WHEREAS, Seize the Future Development Foundation, an Illinois not for profit corporation a/k/a Invest Aurora (“Invest Aurora”) was created for the specific purpose of promoting economic development within the corporate limits of the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora and Invest Aurora have previously entered into certain agreements whereby Invest Aurora has been provided by the City of Aurora with funding to conduct the economic development activities and services on behalf of the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, Invest Aurora has the capacity and the expertise to perform further economic development activities and services needed by the City of Aurora within the Aurora River Zone.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: The preambles to this Ordinance are declared to be findings of the Mayor and the City Council.
Section Two: Pursuant to the River Edge Redevelopment Act, the City of Aurora hereby delegates functions within the Aurora River Zone to Seize the Future Development Foundation, a/k/a Invest Aurora, designating same as a Designated Zone Organization within the Aurora River Zone.
Section Three: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling immediately upon its passage and approval
Section Four: That all ordinances or parts of ordinances thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict.
Section Five: That any Section or provision of this Ordinance that is constituted to be invalid or void shall not affect the remaining Sections or provisions which shall remain in full force and effect thereafter.
Section Six: That the Mayor, City Clerk and such other officers or employees that are necessary and proper, are directed and hereby authorized to take such actions as are necessary and proper to effectuate the terms of this Ordinance.