Agenda Date: 11/10/26
Subject:
Title
Economic Partnership Incentive Policy Follow-Up Discussion
Body
From: James L. Becklenberg, City Manager Prepared by:
Rachel King, Economic Development Director Presentations: Rachel King, Economic Development Director
PURPOSE:
To discuss Littleton’s Economic Partnership Incentive Policy as directed by City Council during the September 15, 2026 City Council meeting.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with Rich Culture; Robust and Resilient Economy; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
On September 15, 2026, Littleton City Council (“Council”) adopted a series of minor changes to Littleton's existing Economic Partnership Incentive Policy (“EPIP” or “the Policy”), that helped clarify the Policy’s original intent – to provide guidance to staff and council without being overly strict or prohibitive in its application, and to acknowledge the previously-included “special circumstances” within the Policy that address unique projects that don’t fit the other criteria. The purpose of these changes was to protect Littleton’s interests in matters regarding the negotiation of business incentives utilized to secure strategic business attraction agreements. Business attraction tools such as incentives are a common strategy deployed by municipalities, particularly those experiencing either strong growth or strong declines, to guide future growth and meet strategic goals for the benefit of the city’s residents, businesses, and government.
During the September 15 the session and prior to the adoption of these recent changes, Council directed staff to bring an additional discussion in a study session to address considerations for advanced notice to Council and public awareness of these items. While Council largely acknowledged the need for staff to retain flexibility in both the composition of incentive packages and the confidentiality and process required by certain highly competitive negotiations, they expressed a des...
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