Housing, Urban Development & Zoning Committee Meeting - January 15, 2026

The Housing, Urban Development and Zoning (HUDS) Committee met on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM (approximate start time) with six members present, establishing a quorum. The committee considered two main agenda items: an amendment to an existing Community Improvement District (CID) on Washington Avenue and a sales tax diversion incentive for a furniture company relocating from the county. Both bills received favorable recommendations to the full Board of Aldermen.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting by a vote of 6 ayes (moved by Alderman Aldridge, seconded by Alderman Browning).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Board Bill 107 (CID extension): Mr. Connolly testified that he was undecided on the bill. He raised concerns about the lack of city representation on the CID board, the absence of a new blighting study to verify continued blight after 17 years, and the lack of mandated annual budget submission to the Board of Aldermen for approval.
• Board Bill 120 (CI Select incentive): Dan Pate asked for clarification on which taxes are diverted (confirmed as only city sales tax), the passive approval process for reimbursements (concern about automatic approval after 30 days), and whether Cortex is contributing any of its TIFF revenue. Mr. Connolly reiterated Mr. Pate's concerns and argued the incentive is unnecessary given the company's high average salaries; he also noted that the agenda for the meeting improperly omitted Board Bill 120, suggesting the bill should be held for proper notice.

Discussion Items

• Board Bill 107 – 1100 Washington Avenue CID Amendment: Alderman Aldridge introduced the bill to expand the existing CID (originally created in 2009) by adding eight parcels, extending the term from 2049 to 2053, and adding a $500,000 project over five years for economic development and marketing. Robert Clark (attorney) and Craig Heller (Oliver Properties) presented. Mr. Heller stated Oliver Properties has invested $120 million in the area over two years and that the CID funds would support joint marketing, events, and streetscape improvements — not building improvements. In response to questions, they confirmed the one-percent sales tax currently generates $60,000–$70,000 annually and that the new project would focus on activating vacant storefronts. Alderman Browning asked about maintenance of streetscape improvements, noting a 2014 audit that rated the related TDD as poor; Mr. Heller acknowledged past issues and said they are using limited TDD resources for tree planting and sidewalk repairs. The committee expressed support, with President Green speaking in favor.
• Board Bill 120 – CI Select Sales Tax Incentive: Alderman Browning reintroduced the bill (identical to Board Bill 83 from November 2025) to clarify the funding mechanism. CI Select, an office furniture company, plans to relocate from the county to the old Carriage Works building (vacant 12+ years) in the Cortex district, bringing 40+ jobs. The bill diverts half of the city’s sales tax generated by the business into a Comptroller-controlled fund for reimbursing build-out costs up to $1 million. The city retains the other half of the sales tax plus all earnings tax. The clawback provision requires maintaining at least 40 jobs; if not, the incentive stops. SLDC attorney Mark Spikerman and CEO Claire Erker answered questions. Ms. Erker stated salaries range from $45,000 to $350,000 (commission-based), averaging $85,000. The reimbursement requires invoices and is subject to a 30-day review window with deemed approval if no objection. The incentive is expected to be paid off in 6–8 years. Committee members asked about the company’s long-term commitment (no immediate plans to leave) and the potential for the Cortex TIFF to later claim a portion of sales tax; Alderman Browning noted that until Cortex submits a detailed project plan, that half of the sales tax is surplus to the city. The vote was unanimous in favor.

Key Outcomes

• Board Bill 107 passed with a due pass recommendation (6 ayes, 1 present) from Vice Chair Sonier? (Note: one member voted “present” but not identified).
• Board Bill 120 passed with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 7 ayes.
• No resolutions, committee discussions, or written testimony were considered.
• The meeting adjourned after a motion by Vice Chair Sonier, seconded by Alderman Cone.