SSB 6156

HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6156

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
None

Title: An act relating to state government.

Brief Description: Relating to state government.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senator Prentice).

Brief History:

Brief Summary of Bill

Creates community preservation and development authorities, and provides for their formation, powers, and duties.

Creates the Community Preservation and Development Authority Account in the State Treasury.

Authorizes establishment of the Pioneer Square – International District Community Preservation and Development Authority.

Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).

Background:

Every year, federal, state, and local governments undertake significant public facilities and infrastructure projects in communities around the state. While some of these projects only temporarily affect the surrounding community, others have a more lasting impact.

Summary:

Community preservation and development authorities are created to restore or enhance the health, safety, and economic well-being of communities adversely impacted by construction and operation of multiple major public facilities, public works, and capital projects with significant public funding. Their purposes include:

to revitalize, enhance, and preserve the unique character of impacted communities;
to mitigate the adverse effects of multiple public projects;
to restore the sense of community, reduce displacement of community members and businesses, stimulate economic vitality, enhance public service provisions, and improve residents' standard of living; and,
to preserve historic buildings by returning them to economically productive uses.

A community preservation and development authority's (Authority) formation requires legislative authorization by statute. The following sequential steps are required:

The residents, property owners, employees, or business owners of an impacted community propose formation of an Authority in writing to the appropriate legislative committee in the House and Senate.
A community proposing formation after January 1, 2008, must identify in its proposal at least one stable revenue source that can be used to support projects contained in the Authority's strategic plan and that has a nexus with the multiple publicly funded facilities that have adversely impacted the community.
The Legislature must find that: (1) the area within the proposed Authority's geographic boundaries meets the bill's definition of "impacted community," (2) those proposing the Authority meet the definitions of "community" and "constituency," and (3) after January 1, 2008, the community has identified at least one stable revenue source.
The Legislature may then authorize the Authority's establishment in law.

The bill directs that an Authority will be managed by a board of directors and provides board membership criteria, terms, and election processes.

An Authority has the power to accept public or private gifts, grants, loans, or other aid, and to exercise additional powers as authorized by law. An Authority has no power of eminent domain nor power to levy taxes or special assessments. An Authority has the duty to:

establish its specific geographic boundaries within its bylaws (and report any changes to the Legislature);
solicit community input and develop a strategic preservation and development plan;
include a prioritized list of projects in the plan, identified and supported by the community, including capital and operating components that address one or more of the purposes of this act;
establish funding mechanisms to implement the plan;
use gifts, grants, loans, and other aid to carry out the projects in the strategic plan; and
demonstrate accountability by reporting as directed in the act to the Legislature and to its constituency at an annual town hall meeting.

The Legislature authorizes the establishment of the Pioneer Square - International District Community Preservation and Development Authority. Its boundaries are those contained in the Pioneer Square - International District within the City of Seattle.

The Community Preservation and Development Authority Account is created in the State Treasury, and includes a sub-account for operating project purposes and a sub-account for capital project purposes. Moneys are subject to appropriation and may be used only for projects under this chapter.

Before making siting, design, and construction decisions for future major public capital projects, state and local government agencies may communicate and consult with an Authority and impacted community, including assessing the compatibility of the proposed project with the strategic plan adopted by the Authority, and make reasonable efforts to minimize negative, cumulative effects of multiple projects.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.