BILL NUMBER: S5543
SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to industrial
development agencies
 
PURPOSE:
To make industrial development agencies more open and responsive to the
communities they serve by requiring published agendas and notice to
interested parties.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 859-a of the general municipal law to require
that projects receiving PILOTS must have the same prerequisites as
projects receiving financial assistance, and that notices of meetings
relating to financial assistance and PILOTs be provided to school
districts, state senators, and state assembly members representing an
affected area.
Section 2 adds a new section 859-c of the general municipal law requir-
ing a published written agenda for IDA thin advance of meetings.
Section 3 requires annual reports be provided to school districts over-
lapping with IDAs.
Section 4 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State law authorizes industrial development agencies to grant
incentives, including tax abatements and PILOTs, to businesses and
projects to promote job growth and the vitality of our local economies.
The actions they take, including granting PILOTs, tax abatements, and
terms of the incentives, have substantial impacts on community members,
workers, and taxpayers. Yet, many of these actions are veiled from those
that are affected.
Local workers, who have much at stake in this process and the projects,
have been excluded from the discussion and decision making concerning
the projects and the incentives, and concerned citizens can be blindsid-
ed by IDA agendas released hours before the meetings, leaving little
time for public input.
This bill requires that all industrial development agencies have at
least one representative from a local labor union, that affected school
districts and state elected officials receive notice of meetings, that
agendas are published in advance, and that school districts receive IDA
annual reports. These provisions add transparency and additional voices
to the IDA process. In doing so we will ensure residents and affected
community groups know of, have an opportunity to hear about, and provide
public comment on, the proposed projects and proposed incentives.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021/22: S243 (Mayer): referred to Local Government
2019/20: S4720B (Mayer): referred to Local Government
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.