What does the Economic Development/Redevelopment Department do?
The Agency Board recently adopted new Strategic Plans for the Housing and Economic Development/Redevelopment departments of the Lancaster Redevelopment Agency. These plans outline the work the Agency will do for the foreseeable future.
The Economic Development/Redevelopment Department (LEDR) has identified four pillars of economic development that will guide our work.
Improve Jobs/Housing Imbalance
Develop 21st Century Workforce
Revitalize Local Commerce
Promote Sense of Community
What kind of business assistance may the Economic Development/Redevelopment Department provide?
The Economic Development/Redevelopment Department may be able to provide assistance to businesses who wish to locate, or remain in Lancaster including:
AV Enterprise Zone Incentives;
Small Business Incubator Program;
Industrial Development Bonds;
Assistance for Manufacturers;
SBA Loan Programs;
Small Business Assistance;
Venture Capital Forum;
as well as several other types. We take pride in designing custom assistance packages for individual clients. Please contact us at info@colra.org for more information.
What is a Project Area?
Redevelopment agencies must receive permission from the State to create Project Areas. These precisely defined areas give the Agency authority to redevelop property within them under certain specific conditions. Redevelopment areas also allow the City to retain some property tax revenue from affected properties that might otherwise be collected and spent at other levels of government. Instead, this money is used to improve Lancaster through the Redevelopment Agency. For a recent map of City project areas, click here.
What is the Lancaster Redevelopment Agency?
The Lancaster Redevelopment Agency is a distinct and legally separate entity from the City of Lancaster. It is separately incorporated, though governed by the City Council members. The Lancaster Redevelopment Agency works with the City of Lancaster to improve the lives of residents by improving the homes and jobs available to them and the businesses they frequent.
What is Redevelopment?
Simply put, Redevelopment is the process of improving the value to the community of any piece of land by modifying its use. Redevelopment is intended to eliminate blight and improve Lancaster for residents, businesses, and visitors; the City as a whole. Redevelopment helps Lancaster to customize it’s arrangement of homes and businesses to achieve a good mixture of several types of each. Redevelopment is financed by existing taxes. No additional taxes are levied or collected by Lancaster to pay for redevelopment.
Where can I get a business license?
To obtain or submit an Application for Business License only, (if the business is located in Lancaster in a commercial or industrial zone, or if the business is located outside Lancaster city limits but business is being transacted in Lancaster, come to the office of: Finance Department - City of Lancaster, 44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534, or call 661-723-6237.
How do I start a home-based business in the City of Lancaster?
To obtain or submit an Business License Application and Home Occupation Application (if the business is located in Lancaster in a residential zone), call or come to the office of: Planning Department - City of Lancaster, 44933 N. Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534-2461, 661-723-6095. If your business is a mobile business, or is based out of a residence located within the city limits of Lancaster, a Home Occupation Application must also be completed and submitted, along with the Business License Application.
Do I need a license to operate a business in the City?
You may need a license, depending on the type of business you are operating. To determine if a business license is required, please contact the City of Lancaster Business Licensing office at 661-723-6237.
