Committee advances 'Own the Block' commercial real estate education resolution

The Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee voted to advance CR 84-20-26, a resolution directing the county economic development corporation to develop and offer a commercial real estate investment education program called "Own the Block" in the agenda materials.

Policy staff summarized that the program will cover property identification, financing, purchasing, regulations and management and that the economic development corporation is to lead development of the curriculum. Staff also reported the Office of Law submitted a memorandum concluding the legislation is in improper legislative form.

Sponsor Council member Adam Stafford said the resolution responds to constituent concerns about commercial property ownership and aims to equip residents with the information needed to pursue ownership and revitalize properties across the county. "The own the block resolution will help to fix this by empowering residents with the information they need to pursue commercial property ownership," Stafford said.

The committee moved CR 84 forward; the vote was recorded 4–0. The resolution will proceed to the full County Council where staff and Office of Law comments can be considered further.