The Austin City Council unanimously approved at its June 5 work session the details of a resolution creating a special committee on economic incentives comprised of the mayor and three council members.

The new committee would hold public meetings and investigate possible uniform contract terms for economic development proposals. Final approval is set for the June 7 City Council meeting.

The initiative is in response to some public outcry over the city's use of economic incentives in various development deals—most recently, the $8.6 million tax incentive agreement made in March with Apple Inc. to build a new Austin campus.

An original resolution creating such a committee was amended May 24 to allow council members to determine membership at the request of Mayor Lee Leffingwell. Originally, the makeup solely included the resolution's three sponsors—council members Mike Martinez, Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo.

"My intention is to not not recruit companies and seek developments that are good for the city," said Martinez. "It is to create a better process and get to that outcome."

Leffingwell volunteered himself for the committee, as he believed the mayor should play a role. He also suggested guidelines including each case being considered separately.