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Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

David Merriman from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy explains how tax increment financing (TIF) districts work, illustrates TIF use with case studies from around the country, discusses the rationales for using TIF, describes TIF’s potential benefits and pitfalls, and reviews a large body of academic work that evaluates TIF’s effects on economic development.

CDFA & ICSC Tax Increment Financing Video Series: Tax Increment Financing for the Developer

CDFA & ICSC Tax Increment Financing Video Series: Implementing Tax Increment Financing

A successful TIF is a partnership between the jurisdiction, community and the developer. The fourth video in this collaborative series developed by The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) outlines the use of this tool from the developer perspective. This video highlights best practices and common pitfalls for developers utilizing TIF. The nationally recognized practitioners share their perspective about the types of characteristics that make for successful project with TIF.

CDFA & ICSC Tax Increment Financing Video Series: Tax Increment Financing Explained

The second video in this collaborative series developed by The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) outlines the variety of educational resources provided by the two organizations. Also discussed is the value of each organization and how networking with other practitioners in the field can expand TIF knowledge and access.

Education & Programs: A New Era of Tax Increment Finance

Tax increment finance is a popular development finance tool generally used to address blight, promote neighborhood stability and inspire district-oriented development. The first video in this collaborative series developed by ICSC and The CDFA outlines how tax increment financing works to encourage economic development and investment.

CDFA Original Research | State Finance Program | Tax Credits | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

Tax increment finance regulations are changing in a number of states, and Katie Kramer reviews several recent actions in this article from Development Finance Perspectives, Issue 1 | 2012. The article also includes a sidebar on changes to state tax credits.

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-Building Community Support

In order for a local government to use TIF to its fullest potential, it is essential to educate the community. This section contains resources on building community support and how to obtain buy in from the community when using TIFs.

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

Tax Increment Financing: Making the Best Deal for Your Community Members only

Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

Daniel Lindstrom and Karl Frantz present on TIF and making the best deal for your community at the Wisconsin American Planning Association Annual Conference

CDFA & ICSC Tax Increment Financing Video Series: Tax Increment Financing in the Community

The Impact of Tax Increment Financing on Illinois Communities Members only

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) benefits municipalities by providing up-front financing for developments that would not otherwise occur without receiving this form of assistance. The standard is called the “but for” test. The third video in this collaborative series developed by ICSC and the CDFA outlines the use of this tool from the community perspective and highlights the “but for” test. This video explains the importance of educating all stakeholders about the structure of TIF for the life of the project.

Economic Development | Redevelopment | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

One of the most popular topics at the Illinois Financing Roundtable is how tax increment financing is used to finance projects across the state. We'll feature that topic again this year, but with a twist. Maureen Barry of Ehlers Inc. explores the broader implications of TIF and considers how this tool can be used in Illinois communities to combat population decline, support disinvested communities, and create social impact through job creation and economic development.

Financing Mechanisms for Addressing Remediation of Site Contamination

This report, produced by CDFA for the World Bank, is intended to provide information to communities and countries interested in identifying potential financing tools for the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated industrial sites. Specific audiences who will find this report useful include finance officials, contaminated site program managers, and economic developers.

View more Building Community Support Resources

-Policies and Procedures

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

CDFA Texas Webinar: Driving Economic Development with TIRZ

Economic Development | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

TIF, also known as TIRZ in Texas, is a flexible tool with multiple variations as to the specific revenue sources it can generate and the different ways these revenues are used to support projects financings. During this webinar, presenters will discuss the typical sources for TIRZ repayments including: property tax, sales tax, and special assessments. Our experts will also address the range of ways in which TIRZ funds can be made available to fund projects during or after construction. This webinar will bring TIRZ deal-making and best practices into focus and explore creative ways to maximize this tool in the Lone Star State.

The Use of TIF in Illinois Members only

Community Development | Development Finance Toolbox | Redevelopment | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

One of the most popular topics at the Illinois Financing Roundtable is how tax increment financing is used to finance projects across the state. We'll feature that topic again this year, but with a twist. Herb Klein with Jacob & Klein explores the broader implications of TIF and considers how this tool can be used in Illinois communities to combat population decline, support disinvested communities, and create social impact through job creation and economic development.

The Impact of Tax Increment Financing on Illinois Communities Members only

Economic Development | Redevelopment | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

One of the most popular topics at the Illinois Financing Roundtable is how tax increment financing is used to finance projects across the state. We'll feature that topic again this year, but with a twist. Maureen Barry of Ehlers Inc. explores the broader implications of TIF and considers how this tool can be used in Illinois communities to combat population decline, support disinvested communities, and create social impact through job creation and economic development.

Larry Kosmont, EIFDs & CRIAs Do They Fill the TIF Void?Members only

Economic Development | Infrastructure Finance | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

Larry Kosmont from Kosmont companies look at the how enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) and community revitalization and investment authorities (CRIAs) can be used to fill the TIF void in California.

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-Reporting and Analysis

Local governments should implement a transparent and thorough due diligence process when using TIFs. This section contains resources on how to analyze TIFs and how to report back to the community.

MN 2017 Tax Increment Financing Legislative Report Members only

Incentives | Recommended Practices | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

This audit, produced by Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto, details the impacts of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in the State of Minnesota during the 2017 calendar year.

The Effects of Tax Increment Financing on Economic Development Members only

Economic Development | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

Local governments attempt to influence business location decisions and economic development through use of the property tax. This report by Richard Dye and David Merriman used an extensive data set for the Chicago metropolitan area that includes information on property value growth before and after TIF adoption

Arvada: Tax Increment Financing in Action Members only

Improving TIF Transparency and Accountability in Michigan

Community Development | Redevelopment | Rural Development | Tax Increment Finance (TIF) | Urban Development

Tax increment financing is a flexible and creative financing tool that can support development projects throughout Colorado. The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority shares their successes of using TIF for a number of different projects including housing, retail, and historic preservation.

State Finance Program | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

This report from Michigan State University seeks to contribute to the current policy discussion on TIF reform by developing the blueprint for a comprehensive, state-level database on the scale, scope and structure of TIF activities in Michigan.

CDFA TIF State-By-State Report 2015

CDFA Original Research | Economic Development | Local Finance Program | State Finance Program | Tax Increment Finance (TIF)

The CDFA 2015 TIF State-By-State Report is a detailed review of the current state statutes and related regulations governing the use of tax increment financing tools throughout the country. This information has been collected by CDFA with the help from practitioners in the industry, and every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the data provided in this report.

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CDFA Food Systems Finance Best Practices Guidebook

Linking development finance and food systems can be a daunting undertaking for any community. Research on the current ecosystem of food systems finance has positioned CDFA to identify key strategies for the path ahead in this work. The Food Systems Finance Best Practices Guidebook defines how traditional development finance tools can be used to launch and expand food and agricultural-related businesses and projects, and create successful food systems finance programs at the local and regional levels.

CDFA Charter Schools Financing Initiative: Development Finance Strategies for Charter Schools

CDFA's first publication of the CDFA Charter Schools Financing Initiative series, funded with support from the National Alliance For Public Charter Schools. This paper demonstrates how charter schools can access development finance tools and public finance and provides real-world examples of how these tools have been successfully implemented.

CDFA Food Finance White Paper Series: Advancing Food Systems Through Development Finance

This is the sixth and final white paper in a series examining the potential creation of a food systems asset class that supports the market growth of local and regional food systems. This paper presents three replicable strategies for restoring local food systems: reframe food systems development as infrastructure and economic development; build effective relationships and partnerships across the entire food system; and plan for strategic food system financing.

The Impact of Projects Facilitated by the Texas Sales Tax for Economic Development Members only

CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series: To TIF or Not to TIF

The Perryman Group, in collaboration with TEDC, was recently asked to (1) provide a perspective on the importance of proactive economic development and (2) estimate the economic benefits of projects facilitated by the sales tax for economic development. This study examines the impact of projects facilitated by the Texas Sales Tax for Economic Development.

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series experts examined the best strategies local governments and analysts are using to determine appropriate TIF assistance levels.

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Tax Increment Finance Best Practices Reference Guide 2nd Edition

Tax Increment Finance | CDFA Original Research

The Tax Increment Finance Reference Guide addresses what TIF is, why it should be used and how best to apply the TIF tool. The reference guide also highlights both TIF and special assessment projects from across the country and discusses how they can be applied to address many common economic development issues.

Advance Tax Increment Finance Best Practices Reference Guide 2nd Edition

Tax Increment Finance | CDFA Original Research

The Advance Tax Increment Finance Reference Guide examines model policies, guidelines and procedures, and outlines the TIF process from A to Z. Throughout the book, clear guidance is offered for assessing project feasibility and monitoring the performance of active TIF districts. In addition, the guide outlines the critical elements of state TIF statutes that should be known in order to ensure project success and long term economic prosperity.

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CDFA Summer Institute: Intro Tax Increment Finance Course
August 7, 2025
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.

Intro Tax Increment Finance Course
November 18-19, 2025
Daily: 12:00 PM - 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.

Advanced Tax Increment Finance Course
November 20, 2025
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern

This course will focus on structuring TIF deals and developing short- and long-term policies. Attendees will also learn about performance monitoring, feasibility analysis, and using TIF in conjunction with other development finance tools.

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CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series: Strategies for Housing Project Funding
July 22, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern

Through this webinar, attendees will learn how TIF can finance housing projects, with TIF providing funding for infrastructure and public improvements that support housing development and neighborhood revitalization.

CDFA Summer Institute: Intro Tax Increment Finance Course
August 7, 2025
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.

TIF Networking Circle
August 21, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern

CDFA’s TIF Networking Circles are monthly, 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.

CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series: Special Assessments and TIF for Mixed-Use Projects
September 23, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern

Through a real-world case study, participants will learn how Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and special assessments can effectively support mixed-use development projects.

TIF Networking Circle
November 5, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern

CDFA’s TIF Networking Circles are monthly, 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.

CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series: Pairing TIFs with Special Assessments to Spur Retail Revitalization Members only

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CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series: Catalyzing Transformative Redevelopment with TIF Members only

During this installment of the CDFA-Bricker Webinar Series, speakers discuss how municipalities and the development finance industry are supporting efforts to spur economic development through retail with TIF and creatively utilizing special assessments to back them up.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series: Layering the Capital Stack Members only

During this installment of the CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series, we explore the creative ways to use TIF and how to facilitate the successful financing of high-impact revitalization projects.

Value Capture Strategies: Tax Increment Financing Members only

This webinar discussed how Bonds, Tax Increment Finance, Tax Credits as well as the litany of federal funding through recent legislation can work for your project and ultimately the community that is benefitting.