Re-Imagine Chicago: How TIFs Work, How They Could Work Better

Chicago’s tax increment financing districts are meant to lift up communities. What are the benefits and drawbacks? And what needs to change?

Re-Imagine Chicago Part 5
Views of City Hall on June 12, 2019. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ
Re-Imagine Chicago Part 5
Views of City Hall on June 12, 2019. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ

Re-Imagine Chicago: How TIFs Work, How They Could Work Better

Chicago’s tax increment financing districts are meant to lift up communities. What are the benefits and drawbacks? And what needs to change?

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Chicago’s tax increment financing districts are meant to lift up communities. What are the benefits and drawbacks? And what needs to change?

Reset checks in with an expert on public finance and municipal economic development.

GUEST: David Merriman, professor of public administration at University of Illinois, Chicago