Tax Increment Financing

CTA Red Line

Update: Chicago Red Line Extension TIF Approved

The long-anticipated project that will bring the Chicago Transit Authority rail system into transit deserts on the Southside of Chicago is making substantial progress.

December 14, 2022 - WBEZ

A rider waits on the platform of the Sox-35th station on the CTA Red Line in Chicago.

Chicago’s Red Line Extension Environmental Review Complete

The Red Line Extension on Chicago’s South Side could be a game changer, if the city can figure out the local funding.

September 7, 2022 - Mass Transit

Brooklyn, New York City

What Is Redevelopment?

Redevelopment includes all development projects that build new structures and land uses on a previously developed site. Understanding the nuances of redevelopment is critical for understanding the ways cities and communities change.

July 29, 2022 - James Brasuell

Philadelphia, Chinatown

Equitable Development Plan Aims To Protect Philly's Chinatown

As the historic neighborhood experiences increased redevelopment around the new Rail Park, community activists are working to ensure older residents and businesses aren't displaced in the process.

March 2, 2022 - Next City

Aerial view of Clark Street

Chicago Seeks Public Input on Clark Street Improvements

The city is creating a strategy for improvements in the Clark Street corridor to improve the area's walkability and stimulate the local economy.

February 1, 2022 - City of Chicago

West Louisville

Tax Increment Financing District Considered for West Louisville

A prominently Black and low-income neighborhood in Louisville could gain a new tool for spurring local development—the law is intended also to control the effects of gentrification.

February 25, 2021 - Louisville Courier Journal

Chicago, Illinois

Multi-Modal Bridge Coming Soon to Lincoln Yards Mega-Project in Chicago

Residents of Chicago will soon see some of the fruits of the controversial tax increment financing for the Lincoln Yards project in Chicago's North Side.

October 13, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Silicon Valley aerial view

Calthorpe Makes the Case for a Corridor-Based Approach to Affordable Housing

Peter Calthorpe's case study of El Camino Real in the Silicon Valley shows the potential for affordable housing development in the land surrounding side right-of-ways.

September 22, 2020 - CNU Public Square

Chicago, Illinois

Tax Increment Financing Reforms Promised by Chicago Mayor Lightfoot

The controversial tax break known as TIF looks headed for reforms in the Windy City, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot promises reforms that ensure more equitable application of the benefits of TIF.

February 11, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago

Chicago Planning Commissioner Focuses on Disinvested Neighborhoods

A new initiative seeks to bring investment dollars to Chicago communities that for decades have suffered from the loss of wealth and population.

December 29, 2019 - Next City

Carew Tower

15 New Special Taxing Districts Approved in Cincinnati

The city of Cincinnati is committing to tax increment financing as a tool to invest in underserved, low-income neighborhoods.

December 20, 2019 - Cincinnati Enquirer

West Sacramento Bridge District

Tax Increment Financing, Explained

CityLab University explains a controversial and misunderstood funding mechanism.

October 31, 2019 - CityLab

Minneapolis Downtown East

Minneapolis Debates Inclusionary Zoning

The city of Minneapolis approved an interim inclusionary zoning measure in December 2018, but very few projects were subject to the policy. Supporters and opponents of the policy are sparring over the policy's future.

October 17, 2019 - MinnPost

CTA Purple Line train

Editorial: Use TIF to Fund Transit Improvements in Chicago

The Chicago Tribune supports the use of tax increment financing to fund a $2.1 billion project to revamp the Red and Purple lines on the CTA system in Chicago.

October 8, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Waterfront

Lessons in Tax Increment Financing

Vermont enabled tax increment financing (TIF) for the city of Burlington in 1985, in keeping with a nationwide trend at the time. TIF is still a major player in the state's redevelopment efforts to this day.

September 15, 2019 - Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

Chicago, Illinois

Editorial Board Calls for Tax Increment Financing Reform in Chicago

The Chicago Tribune says the city of Chicago can't be trusted with tax increment financing (TIF), so it's time for a do-over.

June 25, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

New York City Mega-Development

How Mega-Project Financing Tools Gerrymander Distressed Communities

The developers of Hudson Yards received $1.2 billion in financing from the EB-5 program, all made possible by a map that gerrymandered the project into the same neighborhood as Harlem public housing.

May 2, 2019 - CityLab

Chicago, Illinois

Lincoln Yards Mega-Development Clears Final Legislative Hurdle

A Chicago City Council vote to approve tax increment financing for the massive Lincoln Yards redevelopment proposal scored a surprising reversal and a big win for outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with an assist from Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot.

April 17, 2019 - Politico

Chicago Mayor

Mayoral Election Likely to Have Consequences for Chicago Mega-Development

The most recent citywide election in Chicago was considered a referendum on the old way of operating the city. The $6 billion Lincoln Yards project, on the brink of approval, could be included in that referendum.

April 5, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Largest-Ever Tax Increment Financing District Approved for Lincoln Yards Development

The new TIF is expected to generate $900 million. Opponents wanted to wait until a new mayor is elected to decide on the TIF.

February 21, 2019 - Chicago Sun-Times

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