Measuring Economic Development through Research and Analysis
ACCRA Resources, Insights Now Available
This month CDFA Update highlights education program resources from the Council for Community and Economic Research (ACCRA). The ACCRA Annual Conference took place June 6-9 in Charlotte, North Carolina and featured four days of presentations on a wide range of economic development industry and research topics including a national economic outlook for 2007, the future of US manufacturing, training the workforce of the future, and regional partnership strategies.

June 2006 Headlines:

N.J. EDA Chief Cites Plan To Boost State's Economy
Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006
By Adam L. Cataldo

Understanding Counterparty Risk
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006
By TBMA's Municipal Financial Products Committee

TBMA and SIA Vote to Merge for More Clout
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006
By Lynn Hume

Private-Activity: Bonds New Bill Would Allow Tribal Issuance, But Not for Casinos
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006
By Alison L. Mcconnell

SEC: It's Lawyers' Duty to Dig
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006
By Lynn Hume

CDFA Renews Legislative Contract with Winston & Strawn
CDFA has renewed its contract with long standing Legislative Representative John McMickle and the law firm of Winston & Strawn. Winston & Strawn is located in Washington, DC and McMickle has served as CDFA’s Legislative Counsel for the past three years. During this time he has help direct the organization’s legislative efforts including CDFA’s most recent passage of legislation this past May. McMickle’s experience with legislators on Capitol Hill and his familiarity with CDFA’s legislative issuers made the renewal of this contract a strong show of support for the organization. The new contract will run through the end of calendar year 2008 ensuring CDFA’s continued legislative representation in the years to come.

TIF Symposium Information Now Online
Practice and Policy Event Slated for November 7th
The Tax Increment Financing Practice & Policy Symposium in Baltimore is a national event keying on guiding principles for the application of this tool. The Symposium brings TIF deal-making and best practices into focus through a daylong program targeting the entire spectrum of TIF stakeholders, from economic developers, public agency representatives and bond issuers to legal professionals, developers, and financial advisors. Dissect basic and advanced TIF deals from start to finish; learn effective policy guidelines, issuing bonds, and using TIF as a mixed-use development tool; and participate in a Best Practices Town Hall, sharing top strategies and trading perspectives with the experts.


What's New in the TIF Resource Library
View presentations from the recent TIF Workshop in Austin, including a financing primer, a panel discussion on community buy-in, case studies in urban retail and brownfields redevelopment, Texas-style TIFs, and national trends in special district financing.

Get news from around the country on tax increment financing in the Library's TIFC Center (Headlines and Articles) feature. From the most innovative projects and analytical reports to the latest legislative changes, this section keep tabs on the industry as it happens in the print media.

The Basics of Industrial Development Bonds
Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) received a major boost in May with the passage of legislation that improves the use of this important tool. This month's The Learning Corner provides an overview of Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs), particularly basic legal requirements, and sales methods for those looking to learn more about this important economic development tool.

Tax Credits (An Overview)
Tax credits have become one of the economic development industry’s most important financing tools. In this fact sheet, CDFA explores the emergence of tax credits and provides a number of links and resources for learning more about implementing these important tools in your community.


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.


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.>>>LEARN MORE
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 - June 2006

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development - Philadelphia, PA

City of Millville - Millville, NJ



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