One bill I failed to catch earlier and make note of as a planning related bill is HB35 – Economic Development Modifications.  This bill primarily has to do with targeting particular classes of business for economic development incentives and the conditions and circumstances for that.  But it does do something new, in that it allows local governments to create Economic Development Zones within their jurisdiction (currently these zones must be created by a state entity with concurrence by the local government).  Such zones are to be located within a commercial or industrial zone, and the local entity must be willing to provide for local incentives for identified businesses.  The local entity must also adopt a long-term plan that addresses within the area the needs transportation and infrastructure, workforce development, and housing.

As noted in an earlier post, the state is recognizing that incentivizing businesses to come into the state not only brings economic benefit, but also impacts our local resources like transportation and, more critically at this time, available housing.  If a business is going to create a bunch of new jobs, where are those employees going to live?  There will be other bills this session that tie these factors together.  About time!