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<br />Texas Economic Development Incentives 2003 <br /> <br />Page 8 of 29 <br /> <br />In the future, specialized, in-depth seminars on topics like economic impact analysis <br />and performance measurement could be developed. While these topics are included as <br />part of the current training curriculum offered by the Texas Economic Development <br />Council, increased emphasis appears warranted. <br /> <br />. Maintain the status quo. It can be argued that Texas lawmakers should retain <br />current reporting requirements and not take any further steps, especially in light of the <br />fact that the economic development sales tax is a local option tax. Many economic <br />developers would argue that local policymakers are held accountable for the <br />expenditure of these funds, and the state role should remain limited. On the other <br />hand, the economic development corporations are creations of the state and should be <br />responsive in supporting rational and non-conflicting economic development policies <br />within the state. <br /> <br />Case Studies <br /> <br />The case studies that follow are based on the information provided to the Comptroller's <br />office by the individual economic development corporations. The information provided was <br />not audited for accuracy. The discussions were qualitative and in no way represent a <br />statistically valid representative "universe" of economic development corporations. <br /> <br />ABILENE, TEXAS <br /> <br />Overview <br /> <br />The Comptroller's office contract staff contacted Lisa Hughes, Director of Economic <br />Development for the City of Abilene, and Kim Terrant, Contracts Administrator for the City <br />of Abilene Department of Economic Development, on August 30, 2002. Additional follow- <br />up via phone calls and e-mails with Abilene city staff clarified some responses. <br /> <br />Community Snapshot <br /> <br />Abilene is a medium-sized community with strong military ties and an active economic <br />development program. In 1989, Abilene was the first Texas city to pass the economic <br />development sales tax. <br /> <br />ABILENE, TEXAS <br />Type of Tax S4A <br />Year Passed 1989 <br />S4A Revenues (Fiscal Year Ending 2001) $6,272,643 <br />City Population (2000) 115,930 <br />City Population (1990) 106,654 <br />Population Growth (1990-2000) 8.7% <br /> <br />Sources: Comptroller of Public Accounts, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census. <br /> <br />http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/ ecodev03/06ch3.html <br /> <br />9/27/2004 <br />