City leaders work toward LEDA policy changes

CLOVIS -- Since voters chose to make retail businesses in Clovis eligible to receive Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) assistance, city economic development leaders have been working on changes in policy and branding. The idea is to reflect the wider opportunities to encourage new businesses and expansion of existing firms.

In December, the city’s Economic Incentive Board appointed a LEDA task force to focus on the addition of retail businesses.

After a task force meeting Monday, City Manager Justin Howalt said, the group is “still researching, and drafting policy has not begun.”

The task force, he said in an email, is reviewing policies in place in New Mexico cities, including Gallup, Las Cruces and Rio Rancho.

In addition, he said, policies used in some Texas communities are also being studied.

Once policies are assembled, Howalt said, “they will be presented to the Economic Incentive Board for approval.” After the board approves the new policies, he said, they will be presented for final action by the Clovis city commission.

Meanwhile, the expansion of LEDA opportunities to retail has reinforced the reasons for a change in the name and logo for what used to be called the Clovis Industrial Development Corporation.

The corporation has changed its name to a generalized title, “Clovis Economic Development” (CED), in order to “align with industry standards and reflect broader economic development commitment,” according to a news release from the newly named organization.

Ernie Kos, acting director of CED and executive director of the chamber, said changing the name and broadening the scope of CED was something that former director Chase Gentry had been working on for a few years.

The CED has also changed its logo and colors that visually identify the company to emphasize its links with the Clovis/Curry Chamber of Commerce and the city’s recently adopted brand, the news release stated.

The rebranding is designed to create “connections that inspire growth with endless opportunities” in Clovis, Kos said.

In November, the measure to expand LEDA opportunities to retail businesses received 73% support in a 954 to 349 vote.

The city vote came after the New Mexico Legislature authorized communities with population over 35,000 to use LEDA incentives for retail businesses, if approved by local voters.

LEDA is financed by a one-eighth of 1% tax in place since 2000 that generates about $980,000 per year for LEDA purposes.

The Local Economic Development Act was passed by the state legislature in 2002.

According to the state Economic Development Department’s website LEDA “empowers communities to embark on economic development projects tailored to their local needs,” creating what amounts to a “public private partnership” for economic benefit.