The Evolution of a Successful Brownfield Remediation Program
Cuyahoga County Department of Development
Brownfield redevelopment continues to be a major issue for many communities. As urban infill expands and as more individuals return to the central city, development demands of these sites has begun to increase. Cuyahoga (Ohio) County's brownfield remediation program has been very successful over the past few years in generating interest and the physical transformation of many brownfields. Guest author Tracey Nichols from the County Department of Development provides an overview of the development and success of this impressive program.
ADFA Wins 2006 Practitioner's Showcase
Honored as Best IDB Issuer
The Arkansas Development Finance Authority took home top honors on June 2nd as the winner of the 2006 Practitioner's Showcase: Best IDB Issuer competition during CDFA's 20th Annual Summit. ADFA becomes the first organization to be nationally recognized for excellence in the IDB industry. See the pictures and learn more today by clicking on the graphic.

May 2006 Headlines:

Reaction to House Tax Plan Mixed
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006
By Alison L. McConnell

Are IDAs a Good Deal?
Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006
By Robert Whalen

Legislation: President Bush Signs Long-Delayed Tax Reconciliation Bill Into Law
Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006
By Alison L. McConnell

Road Privatization's Increasing Popularity
Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006
By Humberto Sanchez

Panel: Community Support Vital to TIF District Success
Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006
By Tedra Desue

Major Legislative Victory for CDFA
CDFA’s Capital Expenditure Limitation Amendment Passes Congress, Signed By President
After nearly two years of relentless grassroots legislative efforts, CDFA has succeeded in passing its number one priority through the United States Congress. CDFA's Capital Expenditure Limitation Increase date amendment has been approved by both the House and Senate and has been signed by the President.

TIF Resource Library Now Online
Over 200 Resources Available
The TIF Resource Library is CDFA’s catalog of reports, case studies, articles, and legislative information specific to tax increment financing. The library features contributions from a wide variety of TIF industry stakeholders, including public bodies, bond underwriters, financial advisers, academic institutions, and public policy groups. Inside you’ll find resources for novice and advanced practitioners, from understanding the basics to complex analyses. Dozens of case studies highlight the growing number of ways to apply tax increment financing, and a complete set of state statutes is available for download. The library also links to CDFA’s TIFC Center, a news bank of articles and research items for the TIF industry. Browse the TIF Resource Library for the most interesting, accurate and up-to-date policies, practices and commentary on this tool.

The TIF Resource Library
  • State Statutes
  • Understanding TIF
  • Case Studies
  • Reports & Analysis
  • Headlines & Articles


TIF Workshop in Austin Draws 120 Attendees
Sessions Key on Community Buy-in, Special Districts, Case Studies
The CDFA Pre-Summit TIF Workshop attracted a diverse group of 120 tax increment finance professionals to Austin, Texas on May 31st. The workshop, moderated by First Albany Capital’s Marc Hughes and featured in the June 2nd edition of The Bond Buyer, was divided into four sessions: a framework and financing primer, a panel discussion about community buy-in, case studies from urban retail to brownfields redevelopment, and finally, national trends in special district financing. For a complete synopsis of the sessions and presentations, please click read more.

Efficiency Evaluations of Loan Funds
This month, CDFA looks back into the Learning Corner archives to re-examine the efficiency evaluations of loan funds. This article covers the basic steps in conducting loan and guaranty program evaluations including the methodology and process for completing these types of activities.

Tax Increment Bonds: Ratings & Non-rated Structures
Tax increment bonds may be issued to cover the present cost of tax increment financing district improvements, from streetscape upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure and site remediation. Among other factors, tax increment bond ratings hinge on local economics, real estate trends, and taxpayer diversity. Some local governments opt for unrated structures as a way to manage risk. This fact sheet covers both rating criteria for TIF bonds and the advantages of pursuing non-rated financings.


Peer-based Technical Assistance
CDFA technical assistance is a fee service available to organizations and communities in the development finance industry. Technical assistance ranges from helping clients develop and apply specific financing tools to sharing successful models from other geographic areas. The program utilizes a peer-based approach, drawing advisory teams from an expert network of CDFA members and affiliates. Teams work directly with clients through site visits and interviews, and conduct research to reinforce recommendations.

Strategic planning, advisory seminars, workshops, and custom research are available within the budget of organizations small and large. Whether your group issues bonds, facilitates small business development, or manages incentive programs, CDFA can shed new light on existing activities and provide directions for the future. For more information, please contact Alex Iams, Director of Research and Technical Assistance and click here to visit the program webpage.
Job Announcement:

Loan Officer
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Business & Community Development
>>> LEARN MORE


The Industry Primer: Development Bond Finance Course (August 3-4) offers an in-depth look at tax-exempt financing, with an emphasis on Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) for manufacturers and nonprofits … an important economic development tool that can bring economic growth to your community or expand your client base. This intro level course provides a solid foundation for building a strong IDB program in your community. >>>LEARN MORE
The Tax Increment Financing Practice & Policy Symposium (November 7 in Baltimore) is an interactive event focusing on model applications in tax increment financing and highlighting the industry’s most pressing issues. Dissect a TIF deal from start to finish, from the community vision and redevelopment plan to bond issuance and post-project monitoring. Also explore community and public policy issues, including guidelines for effective policy, issues to consider before issuing bonds, and the emerging economic development vs. corporate welfare debate. Interested in sharing an idea for the Symposium? Please contact CDFA.
The Tax Credit Finance Course (November 8-9 in Baltimore) provides an in-depth examination of the application of tax credit programs in greater economic development finance efforts. This is the second year that CDFA has offered this course. Last year's course was a sell-out so please register early to secure your place at this event. >>>LEARN MORE



New Members - May 2006

State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism -- Austin, Texas

Bell Boyd & Lloyd LLC - - Chicago, Illinois

City of Chesapeake - - Virginia

AIG Public Finance - - Plano, Texas

Capital City Development Corporation - - Boise, Idaho

I-49 International Coalition - - Shreveport, LA

City of Akron -- Ohio



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