Board debates requiring developer-led community meetings in new IDD policy

Staff presented Resolution 2026-23, which would adopt policies and procedures for evaluating petitions to create real estate infrastructure development districts (IDDs). The resolution includes an option in section 3.7 for the board to either require developers to hold community meetings or to strongly encourage—but not mandate—such meetings.

Bruce (staff) said the draft currently requires community meetings; board members discussed the practicalities of who the developers would meet (neighbors, surrounding community) and whether at least one meeting should be mandated. Several members said meetings help the public ask questions and give surrounding neighborhoods a stake in projects. The board did not change the policy in the workshop; members were advised they could make motions to amend the language at the regular meeting.