This week, New York Jobs With Justice [1], released a report proposing a set of nine policy recommendations to reform the state's Industrial Development Agencies (IDA's). NYLCV is a member of this coalition.

As reported in our March 2007 newsletter [1], Industrial Development Agencies are the frontline providers of economic development resources for local businesses. Currently there are 117 IDA's in NYS.

Among the reforms in the report, "Getting Our Money's Worth: The Case for IDA Reform in New York State [1]," is requiring assurances that their grantees are balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Specifically, it recommends that there should be achievable standards set for IDA grantees that include sensible economic development (aka smart growth) and energy efficiency principles.

The IDA reforms are getting a good reception in Albany.

At a press conference this week, Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, Chair of the Local Governments Committee, stated he will introduce comprehensive legislation after a public hearing to be held in Buffalo on Thursday, May 17.

Senator George Maziarz, Chair of the Labor Committee, has already introduced comprehensive legislation (S2413 [2]) consistent with the reforms and he joined members of our coalition this week in a meeting with Majority Leader Joe Bruno and key Senate staff to discuss the reforms.