Tax Increment Financing
New Detroit Red Wings Arena: Plenty of Public Subsidies; Few Public Benefits
One writer takes issue with the city of Detroit's decision to subsidize a $450 million arena plan for the Detroit Red Wings. The Ilitch family, owners of the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings, are worth $3.6 billion.
Colorado Legislators Pass Bill to Reform Tax Increment Finance Districts
House Bill 1375 in Colorado would rewrite the rules of tax increment finance—sending more money to counties, which hope to gain more funding to provide for services. The bill awaits the signature (or veto) of Governor John Hickenlooper.
New Study Calls Into Question Chicago's Extensive Use of TIFs
Chicago is America's undisputed leader in using tax increment financing (TIF) to spur economic development. But what is the city getting in exchange for its efforts to fight blight? A new paper says: Not much.
TIF Trouble in Chicago
Aaron Renn asserts that Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel's misuse of tax-increment financing dollars is hurting the city's poor.
Property Selling Binge on the Horizon for California Cities
Larry Kosmont, CEO of Kosmont Companies, walks The Planning Report through the California Redevelopment Authority's liquidation timeline, with advice for the private sector on the State’s impending property divestment.
Unveiling the Municipal Subsidy Hall of Shame
Daniel Denvir's article will have you thinking twice about whether your elected officials should be dedicating public resources to support the newest mega-project in your city as he explores "Great Moments in the History of Boondoggles."
Fort Worth Grows Up
Bridget Moriarity profiles a public-private partnership that is working to bring increased density and walkability deep in the heart of Texas.
Did Kansas City Place A Losing Bet on its Downtown?
Eliot Brown explores how lower than expected tax revenues from the Power & Light District redevelopment project are forcing Kansas City to cut core services.
Straight Talk on the Dissolution of California Redevelopment Agencies
A panel of distinguished Angelenos recently discussed the missteps that led to the dissolution of California's redevelopment agencies, the hole that their closure creates, and the possible paths forward.
WalMart/Big Box Subsidies Don't Work, Says New Study
When governments use public money to woo national chains, economic growth and job creation aren't worth the cost, says Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Independent retailers also suffer.
The New Redevelopment
As redevelopment agencies face the chopping block in California, new legislation could allow tax increment financing districts to essentially replace them.
State Subsidies Enable the Southwest's Largest New Urbanist Development
It's at Albuquerque's edge, it's the size of Manhattan, and it's happening, despite drought, recession and tightening state budgets. An annotation of Mesa del Sol's master plan explains how and why.
It Was the Best of TIFs, It Was the Worst of TIFs
Five years ago, two developers got approval for tax-increment financing (TIF) projects in St. Joseph, Missouri. One was a success, the other a failure. What happened?
State Views Redevelopment Funds As Piggybank
A judge ruled that the state of California is allowed to pluck $2 billion out of local redevelopment tax increment funds. Redevelopment agencies ponder near-shutdown of new projects.
Redevelopment Induced Sprawl
In Kansas City, many tax increment financing zones are simply luring existing business to move and creating new sprawling development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
