Texas’ three-decade old anti-littering
slogan
seems to capture the essence of being a Texan. With such a strongly worded slogan adorning road signs throughout the state, it is unsurprising then that the state is also an ardent enforcer of its economic development agreements. Communities throughout Texas are known to claw back subsidies when jobs or wages do not meet the standards agreed upon. Even the Texas Enterprise Fund,
controversial
as it might be, tells the public how much it has
taken back
from companies that do not comply. But recent events in Austin, Texas are beginning to make us question whether Texas is living up to its “Don’t Mess with Texas” reputation when it comes to enforcement of economic development agreements.
An Austin developer building a luxury Marriott hotel failed to follow the terms of the agreement by meeting wage standards. The City of Austin initially recommended
enforcing
the terms of the agreement, but now it appears that the city may
reverse course
and let the developer keep the subsidies without meeting the agreed upon wage requirements. The Austin city council will vote on the matter later this week.
We at Good Jobs First think it is imperative for the City of Austin, and cities throughout the U.S., to enforce the terms of its economic development contracts, not just because not doing so would diminish the taxpayer bang for the buck, but also as a matter of civic pride. Texas’ reputation as a place where economic development agreements are taken seriously is rare: don’t ruin your brand.