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JOBZ TrackerDespite legislative uncertainties and a constitutional challenge to the JOBZ program, the number of completed JOBZ deals in 2005 is nearly keeping up with the blistering two-a-week pace of 2004. So far in 2005, 45 new deals have been signed, bringing the total to 163 projects, resulting in 3,451 new jobs averaging $11.36 an hour. Businesses also promise to retain 5,106 existing jobs and to make more than $175 million in new capital investments, according to data from the signed business subsidy agreements. |
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JOBZ Wage Guidelines IncreaseThe minimum suggested wage level will change slightly on July 1 for employees of companies receiving JOBZ benefits. For businesses receiving public subsidies, including JOBZ businesses, DEED suggests a wage level of at least 110 percent of the federal poverty level for a family of four. If your local policy conforms to DEED’s guidelines, then beginning on July 1, that number will rise from $9.97 per hour to $10.23 per hour. |
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JOBZ Lawsuit UpdateAttorneys for both sides are preparing legal arguments in the lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the JOBZ Program. It now appears that resolution is many months away, since the first hearing in Ramsey County Court is unlikely to occur until late 2005 or early 2006. We’re monitoring the case as it progresses and will communicate developments as quickly and efficiently as possible. All official documents and information related to the lawsuit can be found on the JOBZ website: http://www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/jobzTechAssist.htm. |
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Watch for Legislative ChangesThe Minnesota Legislature remains in special session, and the final disposition of proposed legislative changes to the JOBZ program is pending. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate have passed bills, but nothing has yet been signed into law. If the legislation is eventually signed, there will likely be several changes to the way the JOBZ program is administered. Among the proposed changes are provisions that would: 1) provide a tool for evaluating the local economic impact of future JOBZ projects, 2) clarify the definition and criteria for business relocations under the JOBZ program, and 3) prohibit retail businesses from qualifying for JOBZ benefits. In addition, there will likely be several technical clarifications, which will be discussed in future editions of JOBZ Newz. |
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JOBZ Traveling Road ShowLater this summer, once the Legislature completes its work, DEED’s technical assistance staff will hit the road for a series of regional meetings to discuss legislative changes and the impact on the administration of the program. These meetings will be informative and important for zone administrators, sub-zone administrators, local officials and other interested parties. Once we’ve got the schedule set, we’ll alert you to the times, dates and places. Return to Top |
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JOBZ Signs: Guidelines
The Minnesota Department of Employment
and Economic Development (DEED) last year created two JOBZ sign designs
that were approved by the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT). Communities may order these signs to place beneath city
population signs, and many JOBZ communities have done so in the past
several months. But recent questions from some JOBZ communities indicate
that there is still some confusion about the policies and procedures
for using highway signs to market the JOBZ program. Here’s a review
of the MnDOT guidelines:
It is extremely important to discuss placement and potential
costs for your signs with your MnDOT District Traffic Engineer
before obtaining community approval and ordering your JOBZ signs.
Your MnDOT District Traffic Engineer can help you alleviate problems
ahead of time by clarifying sign guidelines and working with you
on issues specific to your community. In addition, MnDOT can ensure
that you purchase your signs from a MnDOT-approved vendor. Here are a few questions to ask before proceeding. How many signs can a city install? This depends on how many population signs your community has. For
example, if you have four entrances into town, with a population
sign at each entrance, you can install up to four JOBZ signs. How do we install a JOBZ sign below a population sign? MnDOT Traffic Engineering Manual Links This article is a starting point for getting further guidance from MnDOT on the local installation schedule, costs, and guidelines associated with JOBZ population signs. Contact your local MnDOT District Office at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/information/districts.html. If you are unsure of the appropriate district, please contact Mike Weiss, mike.weiss@dot.state.mn.us. Return to Top |
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JOBZ Program Adds StaffPlease join us in welcoming two new employees to the JOBZ technical assistance staff. Kristin Prososki has taken over responsibility for the Southwest and Headwaters regions and Roy Murphy will cover the Southern Alliance and the Northeast. We expect a third staff position, for the West Central and East Central (7E) regions, to be filled soon. Check the staff list below for complete contact information. Return to Top |
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JOBZ Key Contacts For program-related information
about specific businesses: For tax and revenue information: For information about Prevailing
Wage requirements and compliance: In addition, four DEED technical assistance representatives are ready to answer any purely technical questions you might have about any of the 10 zones. To reach the appropriate technical assistance representative for your zone, check the following list:
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