Smart Works

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

In September 2013, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted to temporarily increase the County’s sales tax by a quarter-penny-per-dollar over a five year period. While the primary purpose of the increase was to provide for the construction of a new jail and county morgue, the Commissioners planned to use excess revenue to establish sustainable economic development programming that would survive beyond the life of the temporary sales tax increase with little or no additional funding. Beginning in 2015, the Commissioners earmarked $5.5 million annually (for a total of $27.5 million over 5-years) to capitalize the “Smart Works in Franklin County” (Smart Works) Economic Development Program, and challenged staff to implement a portfolio of programs that would achieve economic development results, long run cost savings and self-sustainability. The Smart Works portfolio of programs provides unique and innovative funding solutions in the areas of energy, infrastructure, and workforce development. Energy Works is a revolving loan fund for public and private sector organizations wishing to make energy efficiency upgrades to their facilities. Infrastructure Works is a revolving loan fund for the County’s political subdivisions in need of infrastructure project financing that support job creation. People Works offers performance based grants to private sector companies and non-profit training organizations that provide living wage jobs, portable skills, and career pathways for county residents receiving public assistance. Since the Smart Works portfolio of programs was implemented in 2015, the results have been promising. Energy Works has awarded two loans and Infrastructure Works has awarded four - for a combined $3,400,000 - which will result in long term energy savings and create approximately 637 jobs. Five People Works grants totaling $684,500 have resulted in approximately 175 public assistance recipients having been hired with an additional 491 projected to be hired over the course the grants.