Share your input on potential projects to be funded by Allen’s half-cent sales tax, used by the Allen Community Development Corporation (CDC) to support parks, trails, entertainment, sports, tourism and more. The annual Community Development Corporation Town Hall will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 20 in the Allen City Hall Council Chambers (305 Century Parkway).
What is the Community Development Corporation?
The Community Development Corporation is a citizen board which administers proceeds from a citywide half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1996. Because Allen attracts many shoppers, restaurant-goers, event attendees and tourists from outside our city, this sales tax helps alleviate the tax burden on residents while enhancing local amenities like parks, playgrounds, community events and more. The half-cent sales tax also provides a way to reinvest sales tax from local resident shopping back into community enhancement projects.
How are projects chosen?
Each year, the CDC considers a list of potential projects presented by City staff based on resident feedback acquired through master planning initiatives, surveys, input from the citizen-led Parks Advisory Board and the strategic plan of Allen City Council.
In addition, residents are invited to propose other projects they would like to see funded during the annual Town Hall meeting. The CDC then deliberates on proposed projects and recommends a list of final projects for funding to be considered by Allen City Council as part of the annual budget process.
What types of projects can be funded by the CDC?
All projects are required to meet state guidelines for use of 4B Sales Tax Revenue. Projects funded by 4B Sales Tax Revenue may include land acquisition, building and construction, equipment, facilities, targeted infrastructure and improvement for:
- Public parks, professional and amateur sports and athletic facilities, tourism and entertainment facilities, and convention facilities
- Parking and transportation facilities
- Related street, water and sewer facilities
- Equipment
- Maintenance and operating costs associated with projects
How can I participate?
Residents may provide comments and propose projects during the Town Hall meeting. Residents that want to propose a project are encouraged to email jrobinson@cityofallen.org with their contact information, project description and proposed location by Monday, March 13. This provides time for a Parks and Recreation staff member to reach out to discuss the proposed project and help determine potential costs and considerations that will be needed by the CDC Board.
More Information
Can’t attend the meeting but interested in proposed projects? This meeting is live streamed through ACTV. For online, cable channel, or streaming app viewing options, see the Watch Public Meetings page or use the online live access link.