School funding unclear in Tanforan agreement

The ambitious project is set to include at least 1,000 new housing units, a new retail space and life sciences buildings at the current Shops at Tanforan location, and an approval to move into the design phase of the project is tentatively set for the end of the year. Target will remain in its existing location and the movie theater will also be in the new development.

All councilmembers expressed support for prioritizing education funding with the community development funds that will be provided by the developer from the project. But without knowing what that community development allocation will be, it would be improper for the city to ensure school district funding at this time, McIntyre cautioned. 

“Tonight is not the night on the specifics of who’s going to get what, where, when,” he said. “This is giving me the authority to say, ‘Yes, Alex, move forward, talk to developers about these high level things.’” 

Local residents and community members have been pushing for assurances from the City Council that the local school district — which is comparatively underfunded in relation to other districts in the region — receive money from the development. 

“The City Council plays a major role in ensuring development and redevelopment projects benefit local schools … we need a commitment from the council,” Melissa Burroughs, Allen Elementary Parent Teacher Association president, said. “I am here to ask the City Council to reject the city manager’s proposal. The principles do not mention any direct benefits from the Tanforan project to our schools.” 

Hamilton suggested that the City Council incorporate a sixth guiding principle into its negotiation agreement that the city would allocate “appropriate” funding to the school district when community benefits have been meted out. 

That addition wouldn’t have any direct impact on McIntyre’s negotiations with Alexandria, he said, but would instead assure community members that the City Council was taking their request seriously. 

“I will advocate for and support allocating an appropriate percentage of the discretionary portion of the development agreement proceeds to our schools,” he said. “You have that commitment from me. I will be advocating for that.” 

Though a majority of councilmembers voted to keep the negotiation principles as-is to give McIntyre the freedom to negotiate the most advantageous agreement as possible, Vice Mayor Marty Medina assured the community that their requests will be kept front of mind when the discretionary community development funding comes to council. 

Ultimately, it will be up to the City Council — at a later date — to include that funding, he said. 

“I don’t interpret the principles as closing the door on anything,” he said. “When it comes down to the final say it will be up to councilmembers to decide where our funds go.”