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� � - SRCB - Pro,ject Plan for Development of PILOT for the City of Spr➢ngfield Page�.2 i There are important questions to aslc about other institutions. Did the hospital �naIce or Ilose money? �iow much free care do they provide? Collecting information about the Iinstitutions will not only provide guidance in designing an effective program, but also , provide valuableinformationto utilize in discussions with individual institutions. Additionally, whenever PII,OT programs are suggested the institutions themselves are almost always opposed, as one would e�pect. They will effectively and rightfully point out the economic contributions that their institutions ma�ce through employment and enrollments that bring people and spending to their �x�unzcipatity. The National Society of i Fund Raising Executives is strongly opposed to any PII,OT programs at the local or state level. In 1997 the state colleges and universities were very effective in stopping j legislative attempts to require Pn,OTs in instances involving institutional e�pansion. Therefore, comprehensive and high quality data is critical to make an effective case on the imbalance between what Springfield and its taxpayers receive f�orn their taY exempt institutions versus the valuable services that Springfield provides to the tax exempt comrnunity. Hold a Conference While proceeding with the above steps, we strongly recommend planning for a symposium or conference on a PII,OT Programfor the City of Springfield. This would provide the City with the opportunity to highlight the need for a PII,OT program and to create a meaningful dialogue'on its design. Invite a panel of individuals outside the City who ha�e had e�perience with PII,OT programs. Present and showcaseyour fmdings from the earlier steps. Listen as well to what the institutions themselves say. LJltimately, a PII,OT Program is voluntaty and the most successful ones �nd some "common ground". Worcester, for instance decided against a formal PII,OT program, but instead has entered into meaningful economic developmentpartnerships with some of its institutions. For instance, WorcesterPolytechnicInstitute and the Worcester Business Development Corporation ha�e parts�ered on a$22 million research park that will actually end up adding taxable property to the City's tax base. Canversely in Providence, while Brown University reluctantly made a new $2 million PII,OT payment to the City after a strong lobbying effort, Brown partially paid for it by cutting a$600,000 contribution it had been ma��ing to an urban health and education initiative. As cited earlier, every �'�..OT program is different and is based on the individual demographics and situations in that co�ununity. Springfield has to design a program that meets its demographicneeds as well. The best way to do that, at least initial��, is through a public, cooperative discussion. J.F. Ryan Associates, Tnc. September 16,2005