Regional forum has local economic development groups ‘talking trash’
Superior was the site of a regional conference on blight. via CopperArea
The Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition in conjunction with the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation conducted a regional Rural By Choice Forum. The topic for the forum? Blight.
The communities throughout the Copper Corridor have all faced ongoing problems with abandoned and dilapidated structures and negligent property owners. Compounding the problem, each of the communities face lack of financial resources and staff resources to truly combat the problem effectively.
One of the key issues that the forum addressed was the property tax valuations and the appeal process on property taxes. For several communities in the region, there are properties where the property tax valuations are appealed even when there are functional businesses on the same block. The appeal process is often conducted and granted by the state Board of Equalization, which is appointed by the Governor. The forum attendees are hoping to change that policy to allow local communities to comment or weigh in on any property tax appeals.
