Joint Economic Development Districts

The Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) is a very sensible economic development tool allowing proximate local governments to trade tax revenues for infrastructure in Ohio. Below is an example of the latest JEDD in Ohio, which has been an under-utilized tool because other tools, like tax abatement, are more lucrative to companies. The JEDD is also a way for communities avoid annexation.

After years of negotiation, Richfield Township and Richfield Village officials are close to finalizing a joint economic development (JEDD) agreement. The proposed 50-year JEDD would provide water and sewer services to the Light Office/Industrial District, which contains a 115-acre area of north-central Richfield Township, adjacent to the Brecksville border. In order for that township property to be developed, water and sewer services are needed, which the township does not have. Without a JEDD, the area would have to be annexed to the village to obtain those services. More here.