-About TIF
Tax Increment Finance (TIF) is a mechanism for capturing the future tax benefits of real estate improvements, in order to pay for the present cost of those improvements. TIF is generally used to channel funding toward improvements in distressed or underdeveloped areas where development would not otherwise occur.
Tax increment finance is a popular development finance tool generally used to address blight, promote neighborhood stability and inspire district-oriented development. TIF uses the increased property or sales taxes (increment) generated by new development to finance costs related to the development such as public infrastructure, land acquisition, demolition, and planning. The life of a district can be anywhere from 10-40 years, or enough time to pay back the costs or bonds issued to fund the improvements.
The tax increment from a TIF district is created without raising taxes, and also without dipping into the base tax revenues present at the time of adoption. The increment thus becomes a repayment stream for debt used to finance some aspects of what is driving the increase.
The second approach, Government Districts, is a directly targeted assessment program organized by the local government. Government Districts come in many shapes and sizes. These districts often provide services that are similar in scope to those provided by Business and Neighborhood Districts. However, in these cases, government entities typically direct the work of these districts.
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-What's New
Recent Updates
Vermont’s Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Webinar Series: Implementing CHIP
The final installment of this series dives into the technical details of Vermont’s new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Participants explore the framework, eligibility criteria, and procedural steps that shape the program. Attendees also gain a clear understanding of application and approval requirements, compliance obligations, and key readiness considerations for completing projects. The session highlights strategies for building community buy-in and sustaining local support to reflect shared priorities and deliver long-term impact. Vermont municipalities will leave this session empowered to responsibly plan and advance housing projects using this innovative tool.
Vermont’s Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Webinar Series: TIF in Practice
The second installment of this series spotlights national case studies of communities that are leveraging Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to drive housing and infrastructure development. By exploring both the successes and challenges of TIF projects nationwide, Vermont communities gain practical insight into how others have structured deals, aligned housing and infrastructure goals, and built partnerships that support housing development.
Vermont’s Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Webinar Series: Understanding TIF
During this introductory session, CDFA equips Vermont communities and local economic development professionals with a clear foundation to tax increment financing (TIF) in preparation for the state’s new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Speakers focus on understanding the basics of Tax Increment Financing and why communities use it to achieve economic development objectives. Participants will leave with a practical understanding of the tool’s benefits, core mechanics, and national case studies.
Upcoming Events
TIF Networking Circle Forum
February 25, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
CDFA’s TIF Networking Circle Forums are quarterly, one-hour virtual meetups that bring together professionals working with Tax Increment Financing. Led by expert Ambassadors, these sessions offer a space to share ideas, explore real-world challenges, and stay connected between meetings through ongoing online discussions. Whether you’re new to TIF or managing complex deals, these circles offer valuable insight and community.
Register
CDFA Winter Institute: Intro Tax Increment Finance Course
February 27, 2026
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern
The Intro Tax Increment Finance Course offers an in-depth look at the guiding principles and appropriate application of TIF. Topics discussed include the basics of TIF, negotiating and structuring TIF deals, understanding various financing structures, and combining TIF with different capital sources.
Register
TIF Networking Circle Forum
May 13, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
CDFA’s TIF Networking Circle Forums are quarterly, one-hour virtual meetups that bring together professionals working with Tax Increment Financing. Led by expert Ambassadors, these sessions offer a space to share ideas, explore real-world challenges, and stay connected between meetings through ongoing online discussions. Whether you’re new to TIF or managing complex deals, these circles offer valuable insight and community.
Register
CDFA Summer Institute: Intro Tax Increment Finance Course
August 25, 2026
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern
The Intro Tax Increment Finance Course offers an in-depth look at the guiding principles and appropriate application of TIF. Topics discussed include the basics of TIF, negotiating and structuring TIF deals, understanding various financing structures, and combining TIF with different capital sources.
Register
View more Upcoming Events
-Programs Map
-TIF Data & Resources
-Resources
-Headlines
-Upcoming Events
TIF Networking Circle Forum
February 25, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
CDFA’s TIF Networking Circle Forums are quarterly, one-hour virtual meetups that bring together professionals working with Tax Increment Financing. Led by expert Ambassadors, these sessions offer a space to share ideas, explore real-world challenges, and stay connected between meetings through ongoing online discussions. Whether you’re new to TIF or managing complex deals, these circles offer valuable insight and community.
Register
CDFA Winter Institute: Intro Tax Increment Finance Course
February 27, 2026
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern
The Intro Tax Increment Finance Course offers an in-depth look at the guiding principles and appropriate application of TIF. Topics discussed include the basics of TIF, negotiating and structuring TIF deals, understanding various financing structures, and combining TIF with different capital sources.
Register
TIF Networking Circle Forum
May 13, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
CDFA’s TIF Networking Circle Forums are quarterly, one-hour virtual meetups that bring together professionals working with Tax Increment Financing. Led by expert Ambassadors, these sessions offer a space to share ideas, explore real-world challenges, and stay connected between meetings through ongoing online discussions. Whether you’re new to TIF or managing complex deals, these circles offer valuable insight and community.
Register
CDFA Summer Institute: Intro Tax Increment Finance Course
August 25, 2026
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern
The Intro Tax Increment Finance Course offers an in-depth look at the guiding principles and appropriate application of TIF. Topics discussed include the basics of TIF, negotiating and structuring TIF deals, understanding various financing structures, and combining TIF with different capital sources.
Register
View more Upcoming Events
-Previous Events
Vermont’s Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Webinar Series: Implementing CHIP
The final installment of this series dives into the technical details of Vermont’s new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Participants explore the framework, eligibility criteria, and procedural steps that shape the program. Attendees also gain a clear understanding of application and approval requirements, compliance obligations, and key readiness considerations for completing projects. The session highlights strategies for building community buy-in and sustaining local support to reflect shared priorities and deliver long-term impact. Vermont municipalities will leave this session empowered to responsibly plan and advance housing projects using this innovative tool.
Vermont’s Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Webinar Series: TIF in Practice
The second installment of this series spotlights national case studies of communities that are leveraging Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to drive housing and infrastructure development. By exploring both the successes and challenges of TIF projects nationwide, Vermont communities gain practical insight into how others have structured deals, aligned housing and infrastructure goals, and built partnerships that support housing development.
Vermont’s Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Webinar Series: Understanding TIF
During this introductory session, CDFA equips Vermont communities and local economic development professionals with a clear foundation to tax increment financing (TIF) in preparation for the state’s new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Speakers focus on understanding the basics of Tax Increment Financing and why communities use it to achieve economic development objectives. Participants will leave with a practical understanding of the tool’s benefits, core mechanics, and national case studies.
CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series: Strategies for Housing Project FundingMembers only 
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During this installment of the CDFA-Bricker Webinar Series, experts present strategies for how to use a variety of tax-related financing and exemption tools to acquire funding for housing projects. Learn the basics and real-world applications of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, and tax abatements for housing development.
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