Does the Enterprise Zone program help cities to attract businesses?  Just ask VMAS, a local television station that recently decided to move from Murrieta to San Bernardino, in large part due to the EZ program.

“We took over the station about a year or so ago and we moved to San Bernardino about two or three months ago,” said David Goran, one of the station’s four principals.

Considering that California is in the middle of one of the largest job crises in recent history, it seems like only a matter of time until state politicians realize the importance of the Enterprise Zone program and its effect on local economies.

Hesperia, Tulare, Pittsburg, Sacramento and Taft are the five new EZ designations (even though only 4 new slots were open).  From the HCD Press Release:

Sacramento – Helping to grow jobs and improve California’s business climate, the California Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the conditional designation for five Enterprise Zones statewide. The zones are Hesperia, Tulare, Pittsburg, Sacramento and Taft.

“California Enterprise Zones give communities a chance to develop their economic potential, improve their quality of life and contribute to the state’s economy.  Enterprise Zones are part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to increase the number of jobs through state and local incentives,” said HCD Director Lynn L. Jacobs.

CAEZ president Craig Johnson wrote this letter today to the local Enterprise Zone community:

Dear CAEZ Members and Friends of CAEZ,

Following the legislative hearing for AB 1139 on April 29, CAEZ pledged to work with Assemblyman John Perez and the sponsors of AB 1139. To that end, the attached letter was mailed this morning to Assemblyman Perez and all of the Members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development & the Economy. This letter addresses the numerous inaccuracies cited by the supporters of the bill, corrects the record about the program, it’s structure, mission and accomplishments.

CAEZ continues to monitor legislative activity in Sacramento that may affect our program, especially as the Legislature continues to grapple with record budget deficits. I will keep you apprised of any urgent matters that require a call to action of our Membership. Your response to AB 1139 assures me of your commitment to the defense of our program during perilous times.

Thank you again for your continued support of the Enterprise Zone program.

Sincerely,

CRAIG JOHNSON
President
California Association of Enterprise Zones