| Economic Development |
Available Properties within Bristol, Tennessee:
Click on these links below to browse through available properties within Bristol, Tennessee:
Helpful Documents: |
Bristol Tennessee Fact Sheet (Demographic Data and Economic Indicators) |
| Bristol Tennessee Economic Development Incentive Program |
| Tax Increment Financing Policy and Guidelines |
Small Business Class Available!"So You Want To Start A Business" Come join the counselors of the Tennessee Small business Development Center and learn more about resources for the small business owner. Click here for the class flyer. Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Location: Bristol Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 20 Volunteer Parkway Registration Required: Call Teresa Blair at (423) 439-8505 |
Tax Increment Financing - The Process and Opportunities:
The Bristol Tennessee City Council, in conjunction with the Bristol Tennessee Housing and Redevelopment Authority, has initiated a Tax Increment Financing program to foster the redevelopment of blighted properties and to aid in the development of the Bristol downtown. A Redevelopment Plan was prepared for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to identify properties appropriate for redevelopment status, either redevelopment districts, or potential redevelopment areas. This plan was prepared for and adopted by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to guide development decisions and foster the redevelopment of the identified properties. To date, two redevelopment projects have been approved and implemented, the West Ridge Plaza Redevelopment Project and the Southgate Crossing Redevelopment Project. Both projects were approved for Tax Increment Financing by the City of Bristol and Sullivan County.
Please click here to find out about other tax increment financing opportunities available. To submit a project for consideration, please fill out a TIF Application.
Economic Development within Bristol, Tennessee:
The city's Industrial Development Board has authority to authorize industrial development bonds under state and federal statute and has other enumerated powers. The Bristol Tennessee City Council appoints seven members for the Industrial Development Board, which handles the Economic Development Strategy and the Economic Development Incentive Program.
The City of Bristol Tennessee participates in a county-wide economic development partnership called NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership. This partnership consists of four governmental entities - Sullivan County, Kingsport, Bristol and Bluff City. Each has a share in the costs and proceeds of the NETWORKS organization and joint enterprises, such as development of industrial parks. There are currently three industrial parks, called Partnership Parks, owned by NETWORKS. Because of this partnership, Sullivan County qualifies as a Level Three "Three-Star" community in the State of Tennessee.
Economic Development Staff:
Mike Sparks was hired as Deputy City Manager in 1997. His previous work experience includes 23 years service as West Tennessee Regional Director of the Local Planning Assistance Office, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and two years service as Principal Planner for the Local Planning Assistance Office. He is a member of the International City Management Association and the Tennessee City Managers Association. Additionally, Mike is a member of the International Economic Development Council, the Southern Economic Development Council, and the Tennessee Industrial Development Council. He earned a Bachelors Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University. In addition, Mike is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Economic Development Institute and is a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council.
Mike Sparks
Deputy City Manager
Community Development
Phone: (423) 989-5516
Email: msparks@bristoltn.org
Listed below are some helpful Links:
City Resources: |
Other Local Resources: |
| State of Tennessee Resources: | Federal Resources: |
| Department of Economic and Community Development | TVA Economic Development |
| Department of Labor | TVA Insustrial Sites and Buildings U.S. International Trade Administration |
| The Source – State & Local Labor Market Information | U.S. Import Administration and Foreign Trade Zones |
| Real Estate Assessment Data |
The City of Bristol Tennessee is dedicated to fostering economic growth within our community through attraction of new businesses and assisting existing businesses with expansions and investments.
Picture of Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Touchstone Wireless Facility, September 2006 |
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Photos Courtesy of Malcolm J. Wilson and Bristol News Paper
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