Title
A resolution adopting the City of Mesquite Economic Development Incentive Policy and Program Guidelines and Application effective January 1, 2027.
Body
The Mesquite Economic Development Advisory (MEDA) Board approved recommendations for new incentive policy and program guidelines during the April 4, 2025, annual workshop.
The proposed policy provides base-line guidelines and criteria for the consideration, evaluation, approval, and administration of economic development incentives granted by the City of Mesquite.
The purpose of the policy is to ensure transparency, consistency, fiscal sustainability, and alignment with the City Council Strategic Goals and the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Additionally, the policy includes language regarding flexibility in incentivizing catalytic and targeted projects that support economic development goals but are outside of the base-line guidelines and criteria, as well as language to confirm projects may be denied by the City Council even if base-line guidelines and criteria are met but do not align with economic development goals.
The document also references existing programs that are available for targeted development initiatives and outlines the economic incentive application and compliance process.
Summary
Incentives for Developers - for projects focused on construction, reconstruction, and land development enhancing real estate value of the City.
Baseline criteria:
Industrial/Mixed-Use: Minimum $10M investment
Retail/Shopping Centers: Minimum $2M investment
Projects must contribute to public infrastructure and/or amenities, support target industries and/or areas, or address extraordinary development costs.
Incentives for Businesses and Companies - for projects focused on attracting new or expanding existing occupants as a tenant or owner within developed real estate, elevating the City’s quality of life through target industry job creation and establishment of retail, entertainment, and destination attractions.
Baseline criteria:
Industrial/Commercial: Minimum $10M investment and 10-year operational commitment
Additional/priority consideration given for applicants creating at least 50 new full-time jobs paying ten percent above the current City median wage.
Retail/Entertainment/Destination: Minimum $5M annual taxable sales and 10-year operational commitment
Programs for Small Businesses - focused on entrepreneurship growth and empowerment through business best practices and promotion of existing small businesses.
SPUR Program: In conjunction with area service providers, the City facilitates resources offered at a low-cost/no-cost to the public.
Property Improvement Programs: The Façade Grant program as well as future formally adopted programs offered through the City are covered in the policy.
The policy provides a summary of the procedures which include application, staff review, qualification, approval/denial, and compliance associated with Economic Development incentives and Programs, as well as administration including disclaimers regarding appropriated funding, MEDA board review, and City Council authority to approve or deny applications at will.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
Attachment(s)
Resolution
Drafter
Kim Buttram
Head of Department
Kim Buttram