2018 Legislative Agenda

Transcription

1 08 egislative genda

2 IUI Inspired by the opportunity to help shape omorrow s lexandria, over the past year, the lexandria hamber of ommerce has fostered conversations on improving the climate for business growth and economic development, as well as investments in broadband infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, and workforce development. ur advocacy efforts at ity all and in ichmond on budget priorities and infrastructure projects underscore the importance of the lexandria business community s voice on these issues. ith lagging ity revenues and the prospect of federal budget cutbacks, investing in our business community as a central pillar of a thriving lexandria is now more important than ever. ur 08 egislative genda places renewed focus on what is needed to attract and keep businesses in lexandria in the face of robust regional competition. mart fiscal policies and investments in broadband, transportation, and our workforce must be complemented by city government service improvements that show lexandria continues to be open for business. edevelopment opportunities should continue to emphasize the complete community philosophy by balancing residential, office, retail, and lightindustrial uses as appropriate. ith the presence of the U.. atent and rademark ffice and the relocation of the ational cience Foundation to lexandria in 07, opportunities to attract businesses driving innovation in technology and the sciences must be pursued. he ity s and the hamber s recent engagement on ombined ewer utflow () and broadband legislation shows, decisions in ichmond and ashington impact us and we must be engaged at the state, regional, and federal levels. he vibrant community at the heart of omorrow s lexandria must have a positive business climate that attracts businesses and grows our economy. orking together, we can achieve the vision of a thriving, successful municipality where people choose to live, work, invest, play, learn, and serve our community. s our 08 egislative genda notes, we face both ongoing and new challenges, but we also have opportunities that bring us closer to realizing the promise of omorrow s lexandria. his document was written by the hamber s overnment elations ommittee and approved by the hamber s oard of irectors to guide our advocacy efforts in 08; It is truly a document by our members for our members. t the hamber, we stand ready to do our part. e invite you to join us in making the promise of omorrow s lexandria a reality. 08 egislative genda

3 UI I, II II : Invest time, expertise, and appropriate funding to advance innovative solutions and promote infrastructure improvements and business development to enhance lexandria s local, regional, and national competitiveness.. II ocial paradigms have shifted to favor distinctive, walkable mixed-use communities that offer modern, convenient amenities, including thriving commercial areas and ready access to transportation and connectivity. In many ways, lexandria is ideally suited to thrive in this new environment. ur city should lead the way in attracting and retaining strong, community-centric businesses. he hamber recommends the ity: ffer financial incentives and expedited approval processes to attract commercial development and enhance lexandria s overall competitiveness.. I F XI IIII ccess to fast, reliable broadband service is critical to attracting and retaining businesses in the st entury. he ity has made progress in bringing broadband services to lexandria and the hamber appreciates the effort to date. owever, investment in broadband must move at an accelerated pace to serve the future needs of both businesses and residents. he expansion of broadband must remain a top priority of the ity and must prioritize deployment to lexandria s commercial sector to remain competitive with broadband deployments in surrounding jurisdictions. he hamber recommends the ity: everage its position as a large customer with both public and private assets as an incentive to attract the best provider at the best price. Fast-track broadband access to lexandria s commercial sector in order to ensure lexandria remains competitive for retention of current businesses and attraction of new businesses. ngage subject-matter experts throughout the solicitation process and subsequent program implementation plan. he ity should ensure that the broadband program is implemented in a timely fashion. 08 egislative genda

4 UI I, II II (ont.) 3. UI I II (I) he hamber supports efforts by businesses to promote a vibrant and growing commercial environment. s seen in many jurisdictions, usiness Improvement istricts (Is) provide models of service and financial support that supplement ity-provided services and help increase competitiveness. owever, the hamber believes that, in order for Is to be successfully created, the following points need to be addressed: he hamber recommends the ity: nsure that any special tax districts created to support a I is reasonably tailored to the area that will be serviced by or benefit from such taxes. ake clear that any I special tax district should tax only benefitting commercial businesses and not surrounding residential properties. ake clear that any I governing board should equitably represent business interests as well as the specific needs of businesses at different locations within the district. nsure that any I must be implemented to supplement, and not replace, services currently provided to businesses by the ity. 4. I he completion of the otomac ard etro tation should continue to be one of the ity s highest capital project priorities. he hamber recommends the ity: ontinue to work closely with the ashington etropolitan ransportation uthority () to ensure the otomac ard etro tation project remains on schedule given competing priorities, including s aferack initiative. his is especially important considering is tasked with overseeing the etro station construction. ust continue to identify and pursue new funding opportunities to supplement and/or replace the financing options already in place. he hamber reminds the ity that any shortfalls in funding should not be borne by ity taxpayers. aintain a dedicated staff person to coordinate with throughout the construction process and quickly resolve any other issues to ensure the otomac ard etro tation project stays on schedule. 08 egislative genda 3

5 FI : o strengthen and expand the ity s business environment through sound public fiscal and budgetary management.. U IIFII he hamber recommends the ity: rovide funding for programs that will stimulate economic growth, including economic development initiatives that drive business growth and diversify income for the ity. lign apital Improvement lan (I) investments with proactive business and commercial incentives. everage public/private partnerships to bring business investment to the provision of city services. evelop and implement a revenue strategy to align economic growth and capital improvement goals with strategies to increase income to achieve those goals. ppoint a hief Innovation fficer with responsibility for developing partnerships with foundations, institutions of higher education, and other jurisdictions, including the Federal government, to bring new investment to shared problems.. U he hamber recommends the ity: ontinue to improve its budget process to achieve greater stability and predictability. rovide access to resources that track budgetary projections compared to actual revenue and expense data. ccount for total cost (construction, operation and maintenance) of all anticipated major capital expenses such as school facilities, the otomac ard etro station, and upgrades to storm water infrastructure in the ten-year apital Improvement lan. ontinue to work with the lexandria ity ublic chools () to strengthen alignment of its separate budgeting process with the ity s. evelop and maintain a systematic and long-term strategy to manage employee compensation and improve employee recruitment, retention, and engagement. 3. U III U he hamber recommends the ity: Fully implement the ity s new, integrated accounting and database software in order to better manage the cost of government. valuate the cost of the change to the ity, businesses, and the public before proposing any change to the ity s administrative procedures. upport funding for streamlining and improving the delivery of services to the public through new and integrated one-stop and online sources. 08 egislative genda 4

6 FI (ont.) 4. FUI - I he hamber recommends the ity: eview / revise its policies for borrowing and bonding with respect to important long-term capital improvement projects and economic growth projects while maintaining its strong bond rating. onitor the impact of tax and fee increases. In particular, the ity should review its fee escalation structure for the business license tax to ensure the tax does not become a disincentive for business growth. apital investment decisions should take into account the full lifecycle costs (to include operational costs) of the investment. 08 egislative genda 5

7 U : o maintain and enhance lexandria s position as a complete community, with an appropriate mix of residential, office, retail, and light industrial/service uses and to focus on high-density development near etro stations to maximize tax revenues for the ity.. he hamber recommends the ity: nsure that redevelopment of orth otomac ard optimizes revenues through mixed-use development, which will generate associated tax revenues and contributions to help fund the cost of the otomac ard etro tation. rocess development applications associated with the first phase of the orth otomac ard mall rea lan in a timely fashion to facilitate the construction of the first phase of orth otomac ard concurrently with the construction and opening of the otomac ard etro tation. ork with the stakeholders in otomac ard and orth otomac ard to incentivize commercial development within ¼ mile of the otomac ard etro tation.. I he hamber recommends the ity: Update the isenhower ast mall rea lan to permit additional density and adjust the mix of uses in isenhower ast to respond to the expected additional demand created by the proximity of the ational cience Foundation. s the area is developed, the ity should identify all infrastructure improvement costs and work with developers to bear the costs as appropriate. ontinue to actively assist the ictory enter and offman enter developers bidding to win and/or attract tenants to isenhower alley. ove forward with the additional studies and analyses needed for implementation of the isenhower est mall rea lan. ontinue to support light industrial and other interim uses in the isenhower est area. ork with the stakeholders of the isenhower alley to incentivize commercial development within ¼ mile of the etro tations. Fully implement the isenhower est and andmark / an orn plans to include the an orn street bridge. 3. he hamber recommends the ity: romote and facilitate the redevelopment of andmark all through the implementation of ax Increment Financing (IF) and/or other financial tools to help fund necessary infrastructure. Use other redevelopment opportunities to maximize density along the an orn corridor. efine a new transit hub at andmark all connecting it to an orn etro, Interstate 5, and uke treet. 08 egislative genda 6

8 U (ont.) 4. FF UI/F UI he hamber recommends the ity: ncourage public and private investment in the creation of affordable/workforce housing units. upport and work closely with the selected developers and existing residents of lexandria edevelopment and ousing uthority () sites identified for redevelopment to ensure the thoughtful and timely planning and completion of those projects. upport redevelopment of ndrew dkins to include high-density, mixed-income residential development and community-oriented retail where appropriate. 5. I he hamber recommends the ity: Facilitate the conversion of obsolete office buildings to other economically viable uses in order to generate additional revenue and encourage private investment in lexandria. e mindful of the impacts of re-zoning commercial property for residential use. hould evaluate the economic impact and the potential infrastructure/services impact. Finally, the hamber supports the objective of the new d oc Joint ity-chools Facility Investment ask Force to help frame the ity and Facilities apital Improvement rogram in order to ensure efficient and cost-effective development of new public facilities. 08 egislative genda 7

9 UI : o create a business friendly environment that supports a thriving, independent small business community.. UI UI he viability of the ity s economy is a reflection of how effectively businesses are able to interact and navigate within the ity at all levels, including in particular the ity s business regulatory regime. he ity should conduct a comprehensive internal examination of how regulations in a variety of areas can better serve the small business community. pecifically, the ity should continue to streamline the ity s business taxation processes, licensing, and permitting processes, including oard of rchitectural eview () processes, and in doing so reflect its appreciation of small business, including minority and veteran-owned businesses. he hamber recommends the ity: Implement a business quality control and access platform that provides an online tax filing option and ensures quality regulation and consistent enforcement. ake its current tax structure more business-friendly by revising the usiness ersonal roperty tax rate schedule to better align rates with adjacent jurisdictions. Implement new signage regulations that allow small businesses the flexibility to promote their unique products. stablish a better balance between community engagement regarding business-specific matters and the resulting cost (time and money) of multiple review cycles to small businesses.. I he hamber recommends the ity: dopt policies and regulations consistent with modern placemaking philosophies to capitalize on local assets and provide opportunities for small businesses to help activate public spaces. mend the ld own pecial vents policy to provide greater flexibility in the number and size of aterfront events. 3. I he hamber recommends the ity: reate parking areas that serve residents, business owners and staff while generating revenue and ensuring cost-effectiveness for all. onsistent with its harter, designate the use of revenues from meters and parking lots for the acquisition, maintenance and/or provision of places for the public to park. ontinue to implement its funded way-finding program to provide adequate signage directing vehicles to private parking garages and other important destinations in town. hrough the ity s ermit enter, provide parking information to new businesses during the business licensing process and coordinate with privately owned garages to provide businesses and their employees with additional parking options. 08 egislative genda 8

10 UI (ont.) ccelerate the implementation of the ld own rea arking tudy orkgroup s recommendations, specifically: - nd meter times at 7 pm for meters west of lfred treet (Zone ). - educe ticket fees for meter violations. - ecrease the prices of public parking garages and lots to incentivize use. - rovide live digital information of available parking spaces in both garages and street spots. - irect staff to work with isit lexandria to provide better marketing of transit and parking options available in the city. - rovide more off street parking spaces for ity employees. - xpand ld own trolley hours so that trolleys can serve as a viable transportation option for employees in ld own. 08 egislative genda 9

11 I IU : o inform the public policy process at the state and regional level by highlighting opportunities and potential barriers to economic growth and expansion in the ity of lexandria.. I UF () F II irginia enate ill () 898, requiring lexandria to complete remediation of the four sanitary sewer outflows into the otomac iver by 05, was signed into law in pril 07 following efforts to halt or modify the legislation by the lexandria eneral ssembly delegation and ity leaders with the active engagement of the hamber. Under the law, the ity will need to prepare and submit a revised plan outlining how it will meet the mandate of the law, including completion of construction by 05, to the irginia epartment of nvironmental Quality (Q) by July 08. he ity s apital Improvement rogram (I) budget has been modified to show the funding stream for the program of approximately $0 million compressed into the next eight years. In addition to the major fiscal impact on the ity, the impact of four major public works projects in an eight-year span on ld own businesses and residents will be significant. s lexandria moves forward in addressing the combined sewer outflow in response to prescriptive legislation from the eneral ssembly, the hamber supports efforts to secure financial assistance through eneral ssembly appropriations commensurate with what other localities (e.g., ichmond and ynchburg) facing the need to modernize their combined sewer outflow. he hamber recommends the ity: eek opportunities for relief from the 05 completion deadline through amendments to the law and/or negotiation with Q and demonstration of the practical challenges of implementation. everage every opportunity to seek supplemental funding opportunities, including federal infrastructure program funding, to assist the ity in remediation. ncourage that infrastructure designed and installed be selected based on long term investment benefits and enhancement of community water engagement opportunities.. FUI he hamber supports efforts to develop a dedicated and predictable funding source for to address the critical needs of the system and strengthen service delivery. 3. III I UI () ith the funding requirement prioritizing regionally significant projects, it is in the best interest of lexandria to engage in multiple jurisdiction discussions to identify transportation improvements that directly impact the ity. e urge active engagement with Fairfax ounty to seek 70% funding for capacity solutions for the an orn/isenhower venue corridor leading between the ity and Fairfax ounty. uch an effort would significantly reduce traffic impediments for city and county residents as well as those seeking to do business with these localities. 08 egislative genda 0

12 I IU (ont.) ncourage innovative approaches to identifying regionally significant projects. ontinue to support designating otomac ard etro and igh apacity ransit orridor as designated regionally significant project eligible for 70% funding. 4. IZI For the past two years, the issue of reforming irginia s state laws has been considered by the eneral ssembly. hile modest updates and revisions have been made, ichmond has remained unwilling to take broad action. ather than change outdated underlying alcohol laws, legislators have consistently endorsed a carve out policy as specific instances arise. hile the hamber is not offering specific legislative remedies to irginia s regressive alcohol laws, we are guided by two core principles and will support legislation that does the following: ncourages the eneral ssembly to recognize that lexandria is situated in a market that consists of out of state jurisdictions whose alcoholic beverage laws are less burdensome to the business community. upports efforts in the eneral ssembly to modernize irginia s antiquated alcoholic beverage laws so that the ommonwealth is not needlessly placed at a competitive disadvantage. 5. III irginia seeks to strengthen irginia s position as an economic leader through collaboration with business, government, and education. he hamber is a natural conduit between the business community and diverse associations operating in the ity that can lend expertise to the irginia effort. s lexandria continues to attract organizations such as the ational cience Foundation, the ity is uniquely positioned to promote innovative thinking between public, private, and government entities on policies and financial incentives that will positively impact the region and the ommonwealth. he hamber supports legislative efforts to fully fund irginia. he hamber seeks engagement and promotion of irginia opportunities to diversify the region and city business to ensure that private sector growth expands beyond government growth or constrictions. 08 egislative genda

13 F U I U U U I I I F U I I I I U U U I I I I U U dri a IFF F F I I I I I Q (FUU) ZI I I I I U I I Q I I I I I I I I U I F I U UFF F I II QU I IFF I U I Z I I F I I I I I I U I U II U U U U U JUI U J I I I I I U I QU I I U I I IF I I J F I I U I I I U I J I F' I F I QU F I' X I Z adrey enior uilding I I FI UI I FIZU IF ity all I I I U F UI I I F I I U otomac ard U FI Fire epartment Q F F FI XI harles ouston enter I F UI I yles rouch chool F F I QU I I U U U U urant enter (FUU) U U FU U U I U X I I ora elly enter rl ing ton it yo o un f ty lex an I F I U U XF I UI I U t. ernon enter I U I eorge ashington iddle chool F IFF I U I I I I U U UI F I X I U I I UU U I I I X U I I I U J U I I I I F I U I I I I U U U I F FF U X. JFF I I eorge ason chool I I Q UU J (FUU) ee enter JFF JFF I I II 4. I U I I aury chool 4 U I F I III I I I U U I I I UI I I I I I I I J I I I I X U I I I U I 7 ( F U U I U FI Z U I gudas chim ongregation Q I I I I I J FU U Z I I Q F (ouglas acrthur olling lace) lessed acrament hurch I I I I U ' U I I I I hinquapin enter I ouglas acrthur chool I I U I QU Q U I U I U II U I I U I I I I I F J U U I J I I I I I 9 J I I U F I 8 I I. I. I 3. FX 4. F U I 3 UFI 4 I emple eth l ynagogue F I I I I F IF F I I I I I I rts enter I F U I U U I U F IX I I U I F I UI U 35.. J F UI 36 ( I U I U U I ermitage I I F F I I atrick enry enter F I 5 James. olk chool I U U I I II I I I IU I U ameron tation U I.. U 3. I 4. U I I U ' I U F I U I X I J eatley ibrary I I 4 U I U I FU I FI X F U I J U F I I U I I John dams chool I U 35 I I U I U' I andria nty ity of lex Fairfax ou I II I I 95 I (illiam amsay olling lace). I. I 3. I 4. I U F I. U. I ucker chool I 495 I I U J illiam amsay enter 4 3 I (ucker chool olling lace) I U (FU U ) II I U I I I U I I. U. I U I I Q Q 35 F U UI. I I 3.. I FI ap roduced: 07/8/07 olling lace 0 ythe treet ing treet 5. aint saph treet 605 ameron treet 08 Jefferson treet 5. eed venue 70 ommonwealth venue 005 t ernon venue 900 econd treet 90 ythe treet 650 askell treet ddress ddress ddress 35 ouse enate ouse enate 4,500 Feet 5 aney venue 5005 uke treet 435 Ferdinand ay rive 565 ayburn venue 5650 anger venue 6 dsall oad 00 ameron tation lvd. 3,000 ouse enate lexandria oting istricts egend recincts olling lace irginia ouse oundary chool oard istricts irginia enate oundary I adrey enior uilding ity all yles rouch chool urant enter ee enter ora elly enter t. ernon enter eorge ashington chool Fire epartment eadquarters harles ouston enter tation at otomac ard chool istrict olling lace chool istrict I,500 chool istrict 600 ussell oad 60 ameron ills oad 908 alley rive 47. raddock oad 0 Janneys ane 30 ing treet 38 eminary oad 495. ampus rive 5000 olk venue 5000 Fairbanks venue olling lace aury chool eorge ason chool gudas chim ongregation lessed acrament hurch *ouglas acrthur chool hinquapin enter emple eth l ynagogue rts enter James. olk chool ermitage I atrick enry enter eatley ibrary *ucker chool John dams chool *illiam amsay enter outh ort pts ameron tation *olling place outside of precinct 0 :4,000 his map was produced by the I ivision of the I epartment, ity of lexandria, ata esources: oting recincts and olling laces were provided by the oter egistration ffice, ity of lexandria,. irginia tate ouse and enate istricts are based on 5005 h. ; enacted on 4/9/. apping tandards: oordinate ystem - 83 tate lane irginia orth rojection - ambert onformal onic ap Units - Feet he maps provided hereunder are provided "as is" and the ity expressly disclaims all warranties, U and otherwise, express or implied, including warranties as to accuracy of the maps and merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and further expressly disclaims responsibility for all incidental, consequential or special damages arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the maps. ursuant to ection of the ode of irginia, any determination of topography or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundaries is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification or construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination. 08 egislative genda X FIF Q X F I I UI I I I FIF UI II J I U U I I I F U I I I JFF U U I I I II F I F I J I I F I U U U U J I F I FF U I U I I U X I X IZ I I F I I I U FX (F U U ) I (FU U ) F (FU F U X ) U U I FI 8 I I I I I U U F U I QU QU I II IU U I I I F ZI I II I F I I F I J FU F F I I I I I F I I I I U U I I JU X I JUI J II I J I FI I I J I outh ort pts. I F 3 J I FI I I I I ' I ' I U Q U X F U X I U I I I I X FFI F. U X I I I I I I I UZ XI I II ndria lexa ity of ty x oun Fairfa

14 07 XI F I hairman of the oard ak ardwick erospace Industries ssociation eneral ounsel ndrew almieri aul wing hair-lect in inneman inneman Insurance ill lexander ale, Immediate ast hair obert hea rant hornton, hair, arketing/ommunications ldo ello ind & edia, Inc. hair, evelopment Jennifer Ferrara & hair, Finance Julia odge etropolitan ashington irports uthority hair, overnance atti urner United ay orldwide hair, overnment elations aurie acamara ooz llen amilton hair, embership llen chirmer United ank resident & Joseph aggerty lexandria hamber of ommerce 08 egislative genda enise orland onald eagan uilding and International rade enter hristopher ampagna raddock ommercial eal state usan arroll I lexandria alter larke urke & erbert ank ravis utler ominion irginia ower icholas ehrig edmon, eyton & raswell, amuel erdano merican ankruptcy Institute yle reen ythics dnan amidi lexandria upcake harlotte all otomac iverboat ompany ngela artley ational Industries for the lind 3

15 07 XI F I (ont.) tephanie eyer irby eyer utomotive roup lizabeth ucchesi izuke.com ary nne artins unrust anks, Inc. ammy ann he ampagna enter nton ikodemus ational arbor aren allansch lexandria enew nterprises hristine ennott hristine ennott ealtor Jeanne heismann lexandria azette acket d elarde agleank 08 egislative genda 4

16 07 XI F I I I aurie acamara ooz llen amilton. (kip) aginniss aginniss + del inno rchitects ismah hmed partment and ffice uilding ssociation of etropolitan ashington Jody anor ittersweet atering & afé ancy ppleby ppleby aw arter atey ugar hack onuts hristopher ampagna raddock ommercial eal state ervices ndy uncan ational ospice and alliative are rganization Joseph aggerty lexandria hamber of ommerce nn arbour I lexandria ospital ak ardwick erospace Industries ssociation arc enderson orthern irginia ommunity ollege om icks iuro insberg in inneman inneman Insurance 08 egislative genda avid artin old orks, Inc. by avid artin esign ave illard vison oung homas sborne purgeon ewis ntiques ndrew almieri aul wing ichael orterfield artan roperties ommercial eal state ervices oug ovich Food ruck ssociation athy uskar alsh, olucci, ubeley & alsh, obert hea rant hornton, d elarde agleank Josh everka orthern irginia ssociation of ealtors 5

17 For more information, please contact: aria iarrocchi ice resident of ublic olicy and rograms lexandria hamber of ommerce 834 uke treet lexandria, irginia