Tax Allocation Districts (TADs)

Tax Allocation Districts or TADs, often called Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in other states, are a popular mechanism for revitalizing blighted or underutilized areas such as brownfields, declining commercial corridors and industrial sites. The process involves designating a Tax Allocation District, establishing its current tax base floor and then dedicating future taxes over and above that floor for a given period of time to pay the costs (often but not always through issuing bonds) of the infrastructure, buildings or other improvements needed to spur new, higher density development. TAD funds may be used for a wide range of development activities. Cities, counties and school systems may all decide independently whether to participate in a TAD. City or County participation in a TAD requires a jurisdiction-wide referendum. TADs may be administered by local governments, DDAs, Housing Authorities or Redevelopment Agencies.

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