Taft city manager: We'll do whatever it takes to help you start a business here
| Wednesday, Nov 04 2009 08:52 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Nov 04 2009 08:52 PM
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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act should start to provide some economic stimulus by the end of this year, according to some economists. Meanwhile, the City of Taft is nearing completion of our planning efforts and we believe that we will be poised for sustainable growth.
We are talking about planning efforts that include our General Plan update/CEQA analysis that will provide a blueprint for growth that will allow for substantial new development opportunities. Among those new opportunities: about 6,000 new homes and more than 6,000 new jobs within the existing city limits. As different types of residential lifestyle choices are constructed and new jobs are created, we should see our local economy start to expand and new revenue streams created.
If you believe in our future like we do, you might want to think about starting or expanding your business in Taft.
Our redevelopment plan amendment will add 2,205 acres to our redevelopment project area that will create millions of dollars in property tax increment, or PTI.
That PTI will be invested in the community, and since PTI has a multiplier of 14 to 1, we believe (for example) that we will be able to transform our downtown business district from the current conditions into a thriving employment center.
We are also experiencing a lot of interest in regard to the redevelopment of the 46-acre former railroad station. We are planning a landmark mixed-use development approach that will feature destination entertainment and a mix of land uses that will create a vibrant town center and assist in revitalizing the downtown business district. There are a lot of vacant storefronts on Center Street and this may be an excellent time to start a new business while opportunities are many and costs are relatively low.
Final approval of the Taft enterprise zone should occur within a few months. This 15-year economic development tool provides many benefits, including state tax credits totaling $37,440 per qualified employee, sales tax credits on the purchase of qualified machinery, up-front expensing of certain depreciable property and many more advantages.
If you want to consider starting or expanding your business in Taft, you are encouraged to visit "Tools for Business" on the City of Taft's website (www.cityoftaft.org) and check out some of the tools available to you like the "Business Planning and Assistance, Funding Programs and Business Incentives." There are free examples of business plans in that section -- for example, you can find several types of free "retail and online store business plans" including athletic shoe store, hardware retail, home accessories and gifts, maternity clothing, bridal shop, specialty gifts, women's clothing and wine store. You should be able to find a sample business plan that would fit your idea.
Finally, you should consider that Taft does not have developer impact fees at present, and we are willing to consider negotiating a development agreement with property and/or business owners that would "lock in" this competitive advantage and preserve your entitlements during the term of your development agreement. The Taft City Council is business friendly.
These are just a few of the tools that could assist you in starting and/or expanding a new business. When you get ready to start your business, you will find that the city staff will be ready to assist you in getting your business license and other support services.
Bob Gorson is the city manager of Taft, located in northwestern Kern County.
