(A) These policies and procedures are established in an effort to develop and expand the local economy by promoting and encouraging development and redevelopment projects that enhance the city's economic base and economic diversity, and expand job opportunities. The goal and public purpose of a program established pursuant to these policies and procedures is to promote state or local economic development and to stimulate commercial activity in the municipality.
(B) In furtherance of these objectives, the city will, on a case-by-case basis, give consideration upon request to provide economic incentives to applicants in accordance with these policies and procedures, as authorized by Tex. Loc. Gov't Code, Ch. 380, as may be amended from time to time. These policies and procedures are not intended to obligate the city to provide economic incentives to any applicant. The decision whether to approve or deny economic incentives for any applicant shall be at the discretion of the Council; no program or agreement is effective unless and until it is approved by the Council.
(C) Nothing in these policies and procedures, the application process, or the negotiation process creates any property, contract or other legal right in any person to have the Council consider or grant incentives. Nothing in these policies and procedures, the application process or the negotiation process creates any vested right in any person.
(D) A failure on the part of the city to strictly comply with these policies and procedures shall not be the basis for invalidating a program or agreement approved by the Council. These policies and procedures are intended as guidelines for negotiation purposes.
(E) Chapter 380 of the Tex. Loc. Gov't Code does not define the term "program." The city defines the term "program" to include any project that receives incentives, singularly or in some combination, pursuant to Tex. Loc. Gov't Code, Ch. 380 as embodied in an agreement between the city and applicant. The term "program" includes these policies and procedures.
(Ord. 20-1243, passed 4-16-2020)