The WDC is a mediator between business and the community. Any developments that the WDC Board chooses to support will be asked to address issues of hiring from the area and paying a livable wage. The WDC supports community-minded economic development.
 

For developers, individuals starting or expanding a business, investors, and others interested in working toward economic development in the Westside, the WDC can provide many forms of assistance. Prior to starting a project or, as soon as possible after commencing, we encourage you to contact us to discuss opportunities such as how we can help you navigate the City processes, explore low-interest financing options, consider “green” building opportunities and incentives, and meet with the community to present your project and solicit input. The WDC also has the ability to help provide an interesting perspective in the wants and needs of the Westside community through the Market Analysis Report.
 

As a City Council-created organization, the WDC has the ability to work within the City system to:

• Educate you about potential business incentives or reduced permitting fees

• Streamline permitting through the Development Services Center

• Connect you with business training and expertise

• Introduce potential funding sources

• Help present your development plan to the community
   

Powers granted to the WDC as a Local Government Corporation (LGC) include:

• The power to act as a land development company to buy, sell and accept land, buildings or other facilities to construct or lease to individuals, private corporations or other entities to use in manufacturing or other commercial activities

• The power to issue and sell bonds to finance construction, expansion and improvements to projects

• The power to clear, demolish, remove or rehabilitate buildings

• The power to dispose of property by sale, lease, donation or retention of property for public purposes

• The power to acquire blighted, deteriorated, deteriorating, undeveloped or inappropriately-developed property to preserve or restore historic sites for beautification and/or conservation, or to provide public works facilities or other public purposes