I support more transparency to information concerning TIFs, including an accessible database open to the public, and including TIFs in the city’s budget. I also believe the public should have input during the process of creating a TIF district

Please see response to #31

I would like to see a change to our TIF program – something along the lines of what Alderman Allen proposed a year ago – replacing multiple individual TIF districts, each currently having its own budget and no public oversight, with a large economic development fund, paid for with property tax dollars and itemized in the regular city budget. This would put these funds back under public scrutiny. Individual or groupings of TIF districts would be under the partial oversight of designated community-based organizations with local resident and business participation.

While I believe dedicated funds for local economic development are important tools to address inequities, I believe strategies are needed beyond TIFs. Because of the mistrust, misuse and
misconceptions about TIFs, I would engage residents in a citywide discussion about the role of TIFs and what is really needed in communities. I would also have an audit done of current TIFs to identify those that have been unused or misused for termination. If residents believe TIFs should continue, I will look at other municipal models like Milwaukee to ensure community decision making processes are fair and effective. Ultimately I believe that TIFs are only one of many economic tools. And alone, they themselves do not make up a real economic development plan for communities or the city.

Include the amount of funds directed to TIFs on Property tax bills and through regular publication and notification as requested by renters and various city residents.

No response provided