The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - May 2, 2014

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

California

California updates FAQs for California Competes Tax Credit Program, TaxAnalysts.com (April 8, 2014)** The California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has updated guidance regarding frequently asked questions about the California Competes Tax Credit program. California BOE proposes sales tax exemption reg for manufacturing, R&D equipment, TaxAnalysts.com (April 22, 2014)** The California State Board of Equalization has proposed a regulation to provide a partial state sales tax exemption to some businesses on purchases of qualified manufacturing and research and development equipment. Senator wants GHG revenue for California clean energy "Green Bank", Environmental NewsStand (April 25, 2014)** A leading senator wants revenue from California’s greenhouse gas allowance to go towards a “green bank” that would aim to carry out clean energy projects and programs. Industry Energy Bill clears committee amid doubts, Sierra Club opposition, Environmental NewsStand (April 25, 2014)** California will develop a “state energy plan” for 2030 and 2050, which aims to promote economic growth. The legislation is in response to California’s expanding regulatory programs battling climate change.

Florida

Florida craft brewers oppose Senate's revised beer bill, news-press.com (April 21, 2014) Florida legislature’s proposal to allow small craft brewers to directly sell beer in bottles and cans isn’t well regarded by this growing industry. Bill could slow Florida craft beer industry growth, Miami Herald (April 19, 2014) Legislation could slow Florida’s craft beer industry growth. Counties on the hook for film incentives, The Tampa Tribune (April 19, 2014) Legislation aims to lure movies to Florida.

Georgia

Georgia Roundup: Governor approves economic development incentives, TaxAnalysts.com (April 23, 2014)** This is a roundup of legislation moved through the Georgia General Assembly since early April, including HB 958, a $200 million package of economic development incentives that includes extensions of sales tax breaks for construction materials and up to $25 million in annual tax credits for film production and video game development.

National

Supreme Court makes it easier to recover attorney fees in patent cases, wcsr.com (April 29, 2014) The United States Supreme Court issued two opinions today that eliminated the Federal Circuit’s rigid two-part test a prevailing party must meet in order to recover attorney’s fees in a patent case, and heightened the appellate standard of review of a district court’s determination to award attorney’s fees.

North Carolina

Park may benefit city residents more than another hotel, Citizen-Times (April 19, 2014) Debate arises in Asheville, North Carolina about “smart growth” practices.

South Carolina

CARTA plans new train, bus hub at historic Liberty Hill, The Post & Courier (April 20, 2014)  CARTA plans a new train and bus hub in the Charleston region, South Carolina.

Texas

In a split vote, Denison Council approves brew pubs in downtown, Herald Democrat (April 21, 2014) Denison, Texas approves a change to ordinances to allow for brew pubs and micro breweries in downtown Denison, Texas saying it will omit the red tape for businesses looking to relocate to Denison.

Washington D.C.

D.C. Mayor announces reauthorization of tax increment financing for shopping center, TaxAnalysts.com (April 28, 2014)** District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray (D) announced that he has signed the Skyland Town Center Omnibus Act of 2014, which reauthorizes $40 million in tax increment financing for the Skyland Shopping Center.

**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments.

Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development.