Community Forum for Economic Development

The Community Forum applauds the action of the County Council on March 17th to pass a responsible tax abatement ordinance.

On March 17, the St. Joseph County Council passed bill 90-08, a tax abatement ordinance that is supported by the Community Forum for Economic Development.  Many of you actively supported the bill, attended the Council meeting, and testified at the public hearing.  The Council, by passing bill 90-08, significantly improved the tax abatement process in the County.  The bill supports companies that are bringing real benefits to our community, is fair to taxpayers by making sure that our tax dollars are used responsibly, and provides transparency to the public.

St. Joseph County Tax Abatement Ordinance -- Public Hearing and Vote on Tuesday, March 17

At a special meeting on Tuesday, March 17th, the St. Joseph County Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on bill 90-08, which establishes responsible criteria for the granting of tax abatements in the County.

Feb 17: CFED Membership Meeting

The February membership meeting of the Community Forum for Economics Development will be held on Tuesday, February 17th, at 7 PM at the Charles Black Center (3419 W. Washington Street).

Jan 27: Public Forum on "Facing Foreclosure? What are Your Options?"

Because of Presidential Inauguration activities, the January meeting of the Community Forum for Economic Development has been postponed and is now scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, from 7 - 9 p.m.

Apr 18: Annual Spring Forum

SAVE THE DATE!!
Our Fourth Annual Community Forum on Economic Development has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Indiana University South Bend.
To participate on the planning committee, contact Paula Johnson at paulajjhn@aol.com.

Jan 17: A Little Taste of Peace

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER:
In celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join us for A LITTLE TASTE OF PEACE.

Additional Team Taxwise Volunteers Needed!

The Community Forum for Economic Development is part of Team TaxWise, the St. Joseph County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Coalition for 2009.  Since the IRS implemented the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance  program in 1969, thousands of volunteers have provided free tax assistance and prepared millions of U.S. federal tax returns.  The VITA Program offers free tax preparation to people with low to moderate income.

Senior Housing Proposal for LaSalle Square

UPDATE: SOUTH BEND COUNCIL APPROVES REZONING REQUEST

The LaSalle Square Area Redevelopment Plan was developed with significant community input. Recommendations included a senior housing development. The Sterling Group has developed plans for a 72 unit building that would be located directly east of the LaSalle Park Library. For this development to move forward, the site must be rezoned from community business district to high-density multifamily. On January 12 at 7 pm, the South Bend Common Council will conduct a public hearing before deciding on the rezoning recommendation from the Area Plan Commission.

Oct 21: Next Community Forum Meeting on MIND

Join us for the Community Forum for Economic Development
October Public Forum on MIND*
*Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery

When: Tuesday, October 21st, 7 - 9 PM
Where: Minority Health Coalition Office, 915 N. Bendix (in LaSalle Square)

PROGRAM:
Alan C. Seabaugh, Director of the Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery (MIND)
NANOTECHNOLOGY - WHAT IS IT?

Patrick J. McMahon, Executive Director, Project Future
NANOTECHNOLOGY - HOW WILL IT IMPACT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

Dr. David Vollrath, Coordinating Committee of the Community Forum for Economic Development
NANOTECHNOLOGY - WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD WE BE ASKING?

Upcoming Event Oct 11: Summit on Climate Change

On Saturday, October 11, the Indiana Sierra Club, Hoosier Environmental Council, Citizen's Action Coalition, Earth Charter, and the Center for a Sustainable Future (IU South Bend) will sponsor a Community Summit on Climate Change. The event will be held from 9:30-3:00 pm at IU South Bend - Wiekamp Hall 1001, off Mishawaka Avenue.  The event is free (lunch is provided for $5. The first 30 registrants before Oct. 3 will receive a free lunch.