GRAND ISLAND- Local economic leaders in Grand Island have been urging voters to approve a renewal of the Economic Development Program, which acts as an incentive program for the city to recruit and expand new businesses.

According to the Grand Island Area Economic Development President Dave Taylor, the program has been a positive tool. Taylor says the city has invested around $6.7 million in small businesses, generated over 1,000 jobs, and paid over $36 million in wages since the conception of the program.

The renewal effort, which is appearing on the ballot tomorrow, is asking Grand Islanders to approve $950,000 annually for 10 years. The renewed program will run from October 1st, 2023 to September 30th, 2033.

"Getting out and voting for the LB840 program would be really the next step for us," said Taylor, "understanding that it's not putting us on a different level, it's really leveling the playing field with all the communities and other states that we compete against for expansion of business."

According to the Economic Development Office, voting for the renewal will not increase taxes. Funding the program comes directly through the city's General Fund.

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