§ 14-184-103 - Legislative determinations. - Arkansas Statutes

14-184-103. Legislative determinations.

(a) It is determined and declared by the General Assembly that:

(1) The deterioration of the central business districts of urban centers of the state by reason of obsolescence, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, deleterious land use, or a combination of these or other factors is a threat to the property tax and other revenue sources of municipalities;

(2) Increases in population and automobile usage have created conditions of traffic congestion in central business districts, and such conditions constitute a hazard to the safety of pedestrians and impede the use of public rights-of-way;

(3) The elimination of urban blight and decay and the modernization and general improvement of central business districts by governmental action are considered necessary to promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the communities; and

(4) The restoration of central business districts is the appropriate subject for remedial legislation.

(b) It is further determined and declared by the General Assembly that:

(1) Municipalities should be encouraged to create self-financing improvement districts and designated district management corporations to execute self-help programs to enhance local business climates; and

(2) Municipalities should be given the broadest possible discretion in establishing self-help programs consistent with local needs, goals, and objectives.