Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/264109
Arduin didn't back down from her firm's original suggestion that the county simply eliminate fiscal neutrality in its entirety, tell- ing reporters that gutting the provision might be "economic perfection," but other factors come into play. "That's your guidepost; that's your North Star," she said. While other policy priorities may limit the county's ability to fol- low that path, Laffer's goal is to help keep the county "walking in that direction." Arduin's presentation outlined how Laffer felt the county should proceed, assuming it wants to maintain fiscal neutrality as a principle. She suggested the county is effective at estimat- ing what a new neighborhood will cost the community, but it is failing to "capture" the benefits of new construction. "People moving here are purchasing things here, potentially working within the county and financially contributing to businesses in the county," she told the board, arguing that the current fis- cal neutrality analysis fails to factor in those numbers. She also told the board to have faith in the market, saying 2050's requirements that 15 percent of a new neighborhood be made up of affordable housing and that a certain amount of land be set aside as open space should be removed. If a developer instead chooses to build affordable housing or preserve space, A map shows county land designations. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader February 21, 2014 Page 18