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I-JOBS Tied to Smart Planning

During the 2009 legislative session, $118.5 million was appropriated to the I-JOBS program for disaster relief in which recipients were identified through a process set forth by the I-JOBS Board.  For the 2010 session, the grant application criteria has evolved into smart planning parameters as determining factors for the additional $30 million in funding.  As part of the final agreement on the expansion of the I-JOBS program, the legislature agreed to require as a part of future allocations that communities will need to follow “smart planning” concepts and the I-JOBS Board to score each grant request on a basis of various sustainability principles.  These “smart planning” principles are outlined as follows:

  1. Collaboration – Stakeholders are encouraged to be involved during deliberation of planning, zoning and development.
  2. Efficiency, transparency and consistency – Planning, zoning, development and resource management should be undertaken to provide efficient, transparent and consistent outcomes.
  3. Clean, renewable and efficient energy – All factors in smart planning should be undertaken to promote clean and renewable energy use and increased energy efficiency.
  4. Occupational diversity – Stakeholders should promote increased diversity of employment and business opportunities. 
  5. Revitalization – Smart planning should result in revitalization of established town centers and neighborhoods.
  6. Housing diversity – Planning, zoning and development should encourage diversity in the types of available housing.
  7. Community Character – Efforts should be made to promote activities and development that are consistent with the character and architectural style of the community.
  8. Natural resources and agricultural protection.
  9. Sustainable design.
  10. Transportation diversity.

The Legislature hopes that invoking “smart planning” parameters will help communities achieve greater results for future planning, zoning and development.  MBI, however, is concerned that the “smart planning” principles will deter those who need the money the most from even applying.  MBI continues to feel that there is a reasonable middle ground that will promote smart planning, but yet provide resources to desperate communities.