ADOPTED 09/15/1998

RESOLUTION NO. R98-1257

A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Mayor to submit a nomination to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for designation under the Federal Empowerment Zone Program.

WHEREAS, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 authorizes the establishment of 15 Round II Empowerment Zones; and

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Nashville is in position to prepare a competitive nomination for designation as an urban Empowerment Zone; and

WHEREAS, a designated Round II Empowerment Zone would receive an as yet undetermined amount of Social Service Block Grant funds, certain tax incentives for eligible businesses, and special consideration for other competitive federal programs; and

WHEREAS, a nominated area must consist of one or more complete Census Tracts meeting certain minimum requirement; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution R94-1076, the Metropolitan Council authorized the Metropolitan Mayor to nominate Census Tracts 148, 160, 161, 162, and 163 as a Round I Enterprise Community; and

WHEREAS, in December 1994 Census Tracts 148, 160, 161, 162, and 163 were designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a Round I Enterprise Community and awarded a Social Service Block grant for implementation of various community and economic development projects; and

WHEREAS, the area composed of the existing Round I Enterprise Community plus Census Tracts 113, 118, 119, 120, 123, 124, 125, 126, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, and 147 would constitute an eligible and competitive area for Round II Empowerment Zone designation; and

WHEREAS, The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) has previously prepared the applications for and has administered or coordinated the implementation of federal housing and community development programs; and

WHEREAS, the public and agency participation process, nomination forms, local and state support, strategic plan, and any related federal applications must by completed in time to submit the Round II Empowerment Zone application to HUD on or before October 9, 1998; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) is hereby authorized to prepare the submission for nomination of a Round II Empowerment Zone on behalf of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in accordance with applicable federal regulations.

Section 2. That the area to be nominated shall consist of Census Tracts 113, 118, 119, 120, 123, 124, 125, 126, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 147, 148, 160, 161, 162, and 163.

Section 3. That all Metropolitan Departments and agencies are requested to fully participate, as needed, in this process and to assist in the preparation of the Round II Empowerment Zone application, as needed.

Section 4. That the Davidson County delegation of the Tennessee General Assembly is requested to seek the full cooperation of appropriate state agencies in the process.

Section 5. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its enactment, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

 Sponsored By: Chris Ferrell, Stewart Clifton & Frank Harrison