Springfield’s system development charge (SDC) incentive program logged six downtown applications in 2025 and none from the Glenwood district, agency analyst Sienna Fitzpatrick told the board Jan. 12.
Fitzpatrick, the agency’s urban renewal analyst, summarized materials in the packet and said total SDC charges to the agency in 2025 were approximately $565,000. She said two projects with charges above $100,000 were deferred for later payment under policies adopted by the board in 2024; after those deferrals, CETA will pay the city $17,800.64 in fiscal year 2027 for the remaining SDCs incurred in 2025. Fitzpatrick also said CETA made a lump-sum payment in 2025 covering downtown SDCs charged since 2013 that totaled $570,718.03.
Fitzpatrick said the SDC incentive program was established in 2013 and was formalized by the board through two resolutions in 2024; the program is approved to continue through 2028. She noted the program primarily benefits commercial tenant improvements and remodels and that new construction or major renovations are less frequent but more expensive. The Glenwood district has an SDC usage cap of $2,000,000 with approximately $722,000 remaining available under that cap.
Board members praised the program and requested more detailed tracking of applicants. Board member Van Gordon said the materials "look great" and called the program one of the best things the agency has done for downtown and Glenwood. Board member Lovell asked whether staff could identify particular developers or businesses that benefited most; Fitzpatrick said she did not yet have that level of detail but plans to track developer- and project-level usage going forward. One board member asked whether other agencies with SDCs, such as MWMC, offer similar reimbursements; staff said they would examine interagency practices so the board can understand total builder burden.
The board did not take formal action on the SDC report; staff committed to provide more detailed tracking information in future materials.