Prince George’s County - Operation 862!! (2015, leases, how much)

[adelphi_sky]

Interesting. I'd be happy if they get just one.

Officials are calling it “Operation 862″ for the number of companies they’re targeting.
“It’s kind of top secret,” says Jim Coleman, president for the Economic Development Corporation.
But WNEW has learned the county is targeting technology companies, law firms and federal agencies that have leases expiring within the next four years.

Prince George’s Co. on Mission to Lure D.C. & Va. Companies « CBS DC

[lee_in_beechtree]

Given the budget of the PGC Economic Development Corporation (i.e. ~$3M), I think there had better be more than one business enticed to set up shop in the county.

And then there is this follow on article.

Leaders Try to Lure Millennials, Big Businesses to Prince George’s Co. « CBS DC

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by lee_in_beechtree

Given the budget of the PGC Economic Development Corporation (i.e. ~$3M), I think there had better be more than one business enticed to set up shop in the county.

And then there is this follow on article.

Leaders Try to Lure Millennials, Big Businesses to Prince George’s Co. « CBS DC

They also have the $50 million Economic Development Fund. Not sure how much is left now though.

[AeroGuyDC]

When county taxpayers are not inclined to pay higher property taxes to fund failing schools, it's not really realistic that companies and organizations will be super excited to relocate their employees to the County.

I get that county taxpayers feel that there needs to be greater accountability for the property taxes they already pay, but they may have shot themselves in the foot with the most recent school funding proposal being unraveled by county leadership.

Baker tried, but county citizens just don't seem to be on the same page with him.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by AeroGuyDC

When county taxpayers are not inclined to pay higher property taxes to fund failing schools, it's not really realistic that companies and organizations will be super excited to relocate their employees to the County.

I get that county taxpayers feel that there needs to be greater accountability for the property taxes they already pay, but they may have shot themselves in the foot with the most recent school funding proposal being unraveled by county leadership.

Baker tried, but county citizens just don't seem to be on the same page with him.

I don't think schools matter much anymore. Like I said, a company can locate in the county near a metro and its employees can commute. The company gets incentives and cheaper lease rates while its employees don't necessarily have to relocate. It would possibly lengthen their commute, but for the company, it may be worth it.

PS: Especially when modified schedules and telework increase.

[CBMD]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I don't think schools matter much anymore. Like I said, a company can locate in the county near a metro and its employees can commute. The company gets incentives and cheaper lease rates while its employees don't necessarily have to relocate. It would possibly lengthen their commute, but for the company, it may be worth it.

PS: Especially when modified schedules and telework increase.

Here's some free advice.
Don't ever waste everyone's time by standing for election.

[lee_in_beechtree]

Originally Posted by AeroGuyDC

When county taxpayers are not inclined to pay higher property taxes to fund failing schools, it's not really realistic that companies and organizations will be super excited to relocate their employees to the County.

Many companies would relocate if it made good business sense to do so, which means if there would be an improvement to their bottom line. It appears that the EDC will be going after organizations who will be renegotiating their leases in the next 4 years, so that must mean that these companies will be offered cheaper lease rates and possibly tax incentives.

In addition, as more businesses relocate, that means more taxes for the county coffers that could be allocated to the schools.

I get that county taxpayers feel that there needs to be greater accountability for the property taxes they already pay, but they may have shot themselves in the foot with the most recent school funding proposal being unraveled by county leadership.

Baker tried, but county citizens just don't seem to be on the same page with him.

I'm not sure that the PGC residents weren't on the same page to improve the schools - they just couldn't see a huge 15% increase in property taxes all at once with no yearly milestones.

I think if there had been a smaller increase for a number of years, with measurable accomplishments at the end of each year, then the citizens would have been more amenable to a tax increase, but as it turned out, all that was promised were some lofty goals in 2020 after we paid higher taxes for 5 years.

In addition, many residents were led to believe that the county revenue from the National Harbor casino were going to go towards education, and Baker never seemed to have a good answer for this.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by CBMD

Here's some free advice.
Don't ever waste everyone's time by standing for election.

Please understand the context in which I made the statement. Thanks.

[lee_in_beechtree]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Please understand the context in which I made the statement.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Maybe your statement that was taken out of context should have read:

"I don't think schools matter to businesses much anymore."

[North Beach Person]

Hey kids, just keep in mind that "tax incentives" in the form of property tax abatements do come with a cost.

Collecting $0 from a new business which requires public infrastructure be built gets paid for by the residents.