Communities are constantly changing, and with that their needs also change. Across our state, many towns and cities are stuck with deteriorating churches, hospitals, and schools that drain local economic resources while becoming eyesores for the community. Redeveloping such properties can be challenging and expensive, but with the right incentives, these underutilized and deteriorating spaces can take on new life and bring needed economic development.
 
Earlier this session, the House of Representatives passed a bill, House Bill 1799, to aid municipalities in redeveloping former shopping malls. Using that as a model, we are introducing legislation to allow local governments to offer special tax incentives to encourage the redevelopment of deteriorating churches, hospitals, and schools.
 
Local governments know their communities the best, which is why we should empower them to incentivize creative redevelopment. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to broaden the tools municipalities have in addressing the challenges they face.