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-3- • for the IRB program appears to be somewhat opposite the 503. Rather than a lac; of cities participating, there are 70% of the MUSA area cities using IRBs, therefore there must, be a need. The ability to pool, thus providing financing for smaller or borderline projects,has also been indicated as a need. Experience and research will show that developers have not been bashful in requesting IRBs, 70% of the cities have used them and some have developed strict criteria. No research has been done as to why 30% have not, but it is clear they could if there was a need. The ability to pool exists through existing Port authorities and cities do have the ability to request port authority designation. Finally, the council has not indicated any city or developer that has requested council issuance of IRBs. The list of cities participating in IRB issuance would indicate that size of city is not a barrier. b) Legal Authority. The council has received two opinions in this area. One indicates thatthe authority exists, whereas, the other tends to cast doubt. Unless the council obtains clear statutory authority, it should not become involved as an operating finance agency. c) Competition. The councils role -as an overall planning and technical assistance agency has allowed it to basically remai-n aloof from day to day normal competion among cities for tax base growth. This posture has _allowed the council to be very successful in coordinating metropolitan development •to maximize use of regaional founds for development of regional systems. City • c_fficials have come to accept this role. If the council puts itself into a new role of operating agency with ability to directly influence who and what develops and where, it soon may become embroiled in competitive battles and lose its overall affectiveness. d) Operational versus planning. 'The Metropolitan Council was conceived as a planning and coordinating agency. The implementation and operating. role in . the four systems (Sewer, Transporation, Parks, and Airports) was specifically and intentionally kept separate. The one exception of the HRA as an operating function of the council, was only done after extensive and thorough research into needs and to be able to implement Federal programs. The council can be effective in promoting economic development through its planning, research, and technical assistance tasks. The documentation established so far in support of these policies clearly indicate that there are many tools available for current operating agencies to accomplish the goals set forth , for economic development of this region- 4. ECONOMIC- OPPORTUNITY POLICY POLICY L. Encourage Public and Private. Sectors to improve access to jobs for the poor and unemployed. COMMENT: This policy provides the gathering of statistics to primarily augment existing policies in the physical development areas and is appropriate as a planning function. • C. RECOMMENDATION: Policy K,-should be eliminated. The council should concentrate its efforts in the other policy areas of planning and research. It especially should implement policy J to monitor and measure impacts of current programs for a period of time to rea11 determine if new programs are needed. Until this is done, there is no basis and no facts supporting the need for a council sponsored finance agency.