Lincoln, Nebraska

Multi-Facility Impact Fee Study
   

For the City of Lincoln, Duncan Associates prepared the first impact fee study in the state of Nebraska. The study calculated capital costs of serving growth in six fringe areas; examined the types and amounts of capital recovery fees and exactions the City might use to offset these costs; estimated the impact of new development on the City’s operating costs and revenues; estimated the needs for continued repair and maintenance of the City’s existing infrastructure on its capital budget, and drafted legislation required to implement or authorize certain

types of capital recovery fees or exactions. The study focused on Lincoln’s operating and capital budget— specifically its public works and utility. The study evaluated alternative techniques that are currently used or could potentially be used to finance the capital costs of new development in Lincoln. The techniques evaluated include impact fees, development taxes, utility fees, special districts, revenue and general obligation bonds and land dedication/fee-in-lieu requirements. The evaluation considered factors such as legal authority, data availability, administrative simplicity, revenue potential and equity. Duncan Associates was subsequently retained by the City to develop impact fees for roads, water, wastewater and parks and trails.