Business & Community Affairs Committee, 4/3/25

The City of Norman's Business & Community Affairs Committee met on April 3, 2025, to discuss two main agenda items. The first focused on the development of a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) master plan, including proposals for multiple increment districts such as the Griffin property and South Norman areas. The discussion covered potential redevelopment projects, estimated investment amounts, and strategies for incentivizing affordable and workforce housing through development assistance tied to increment revenues. The committee also considered infrastructure improvements, including public parks and street enhancements, and the impact of a Senate bill on homeless shelter relocation. Financing mechanisms such as borrowing against TIF funds and sales tax increment allocations were also explored. The second agenda item addressed minimum lot sizes for residential development, examining current regulations, potential impacts on housing density, and challenges related to setbacks, impervious surface coverage, and alley access. The committee discussed balancing increased housing density with preserving neighborhood character and infrastructure capacity, including the possibility of creating new zoning classifications to accommodate smaller lots. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded during the meeting, but several policy considerations and development strategies were deliberated that could influence future procurement and capital improvement projects.