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It is my opinion that before any of these tools are utilized, the prospective project <br /> must meet the but for test, if not it simply does not warrant City involvement; save the <br /> occasional exception. In addition to the but for test the prospective development must <br /> significantly better the City's tax revenue, because if it does not there is little reason to <br /> put forth the effort. Finally I would like to see the EDA operate with the philosophy that <br /> any potential assistance provided by the City be in a form where the City is able to <br /> recoup their investment. The City is not in a position where it has to provide straight <br /> grants to businesses to foster development. <br /> Conclusions <br /> I would like to see the Hugo EDA take the "If we advertise it, they will come <br /> approach." The first two priorities of the Hugo EDA should be to set a policy <br /> specifically laying out the requirements for providing financial assistance. This is simply <br /> the most important aspect of the EDA, without a clearly defined policy to rely on there is <br /> no control/reason over what gets assistance and what does not. Without this policy the <br /> EDA will simply not be able to justify its actions. The three elements that are necessary <br /> for the policy are; that every project should provide significant benefit to the residents of <br /> the City; that every project should pass the but for test; and that all financial assistance <br /> should be of a renewable form. <br /> In addition, to setting a policy in regards to providing funding, is the fact that the <br /> EDA needs to define a course of action. I would like to see the EDA act under a notion <br /> of, "If we market it, they will come." I feel that the EDA can take the position that its <br /> most important priority is to advertise the opportunity that is available in Hugo, and what <br /> Hugo has to offer. The marketing of the City is what will lead to business development <br />