Background Info. H O M E History - why this group has come together Letters to the Editor Press Releases Media Supporters Get Informed Mythbusters Comments and analyses by: Jerry Kuhaida Tim Holt Ellen Smith for Oak Ridge Blog Get Involved More Information, Downloads, & Volunteer Sign-up Voter Registration Form

Citizens Oak Ridge

Economic Impact Review

Several states are considering legislation that would require communities to assess the economic impacts of large retail stores and shopping center proposals. Only those developments that would not have a significant negative impact could be approved.

Although studies have found that the economic costs of large retail stores can outweigh the benefits, cities typically make decisions about whether to approve these projects without any objective information about the effects they are likely to have on other businesses, jobs, wages, and public services costs. Indeed, in most cases, the only information that local officials have are the rosy, and often misleading, job and tax revenue projections provided by the developer.

Bills proposed in several states would remedy this by making an economic impact study a standard part of what a city must consider when reviewing a large retail development proposal. These studies would be conducted by a qualified independent consultant selected by the city, but the cost would be covered by a fee imposed on the developer. Should the study find significant adverse economic and fiscal impacts, these bills give the city the authority to reject the development.

--> Read the complete article at http://www.newrules.org/retail/mir.html