Citylab University
CityLab University: Tax Increment Financing
Behind the dry-as-dust name is a powerful (and controversial) tool for financing urban redevelopment. Here’s a quick guide to understanding TIF.
It’s time again for CityLab University, a resource for understanding some of the most important concepts related to cities and urban policy. If you have constructive feedback or would like to see a similar explainer on other topics, drop us a line at editors@citylab.com.
Urban development professionals, neighborhood activists, and diligent readers of local newspapers have very likely come across the term “Tax Increment Financing” (TIF). Whether all of these groups understand what it means is another matter.