As a planner with 30 years of experience helping communities small and large plan for growth and economic development, I can unequivocally say that tools like tax-increment financing are essential to growing Iowa’s economy.
Recent proposals by the Iowa Legislature could hinder the effectiveness of TIF as a tool to create jobs. For instance, the House of Representatives released HF1 that would hamper communities’ ability to proactively pursue certain development utilizing urban renewal funding by changing its designation from an essential county or city purpose to a general purpose. This would require a vote of the citizens to determine whether or not funding for a deal could be approved.
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Since such bonds have no impact on property taxes or levies from any jurisdiction, this move would merely handicap growth without anything to gain for Iowa’s citizens. Instead, let’s focus on how we can promote investment in our communities and make Iowa a place people want to stay and build their family.
TIF is a tool that takes tax money from the city, county and school systems.; to pay for private enterprises; TIF has been abused for far too long and unless it is revised to what it was initially intended should be abolished
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TIF is a tool that takes tax money from the city, county and school systems.; to pay for private enterprises; TIF has been abused for far too long and unless it is revised to what it was initially intended should be abolished
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.