S_LG_2017A 04/06/2017 Committee Summary

10:08 AM -- SB 17-279



Senator Zenzinger and Senator Martinez Humenik, co-prime sponsors, discussed the provisions of Senate Bill 17-279 concerning the applicability of recent urban renewal legislation and distributed a fact sheet on the bill (Attachment A). This bill makes technical adjustments and clarifies recent legislation concerning urban renewal authorities (URA), urban renewal plans, and provisions for sharing tax increment financing (TIF) among affected taxing entities. Specifically, this bill: further defines and clarifies when a change to an urban renewal plan is to be considered a substantial change; requires that a URA provide 30 days notice to all taxing entities within the renewal area before taking formal action to approve a substantial change to a renewal plan; permits any taxing authority in the urban renewal area to file an action requiring a district court to determine if the modification fits the definition of a substantial change; allows the district court to enjoin any action of a URA until the court determines if the requested modifications amount to a substantial change; and provides a 45 day period in which a taxing entity can petition a district court to enjoin an activity of a URA, including issuing bonds, incurring financial obligations, or pledging revenue. Finally, the bill clarifies that the modifications and clarifications to laws governing URAs and TIF, both in this bill and in related legislation adopted in 2015 and 2016, are applicable to URAs created on or after January 1, 2016, and to modifications of an urban renewal plan where the modification is approved on or after January 1, 2016.



170406 AttachA.pdf





The following persons testified on the bill:



10:16 AM -- Kevin Bommer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in favor of the bill, discussed legislation from 2015 and 2016 concerning urban renewal, and explained why the bill has a safety clause. He answered questions from the committee regarding use of urban renewal authority.



10:21 AM -- Gini Pingenot, representing Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI), testified in support of the bill.



10:24 AM -- Evan Goulding, representing the Special District Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



10:29 AM -- Herb Atchisen, Representing the Metro Mayors Caucus, explained he is Mayor of the city of Westminster and that the Metro Mayors Caucus has yet to take a position on the bill. He also explained how the bill will benefit the city of Westminster and urban renewal projects in the city. He also explained how uncertainty under current law has affected financing for urban renewal projects.



10:30 AM -- Carroll White, representing the Metro North Chamber of Commerce, explained she is an attorney who represents urban developers, municipalities, and counties and spoke in support of the bill.



10:37 AM



The chair closed testimony,. Senator Zenzinger and Senator Martinez Humenik closed their remarks on the bill.



10:42 AM



Senator Zenzinger distributed Amendment L.001 (Attachment B).



170406 AttachB.pdf

10:45 AM



The committee adjourned.