Tax Increment Financing Program

    Tax Increment Financing is a special funding tool used by the City of Chicago to promote public and private investment across the city. Funds are used to build and repair roads and infrastructure, clean polluted land and put vacant properties back to productive use, usually in conjunction with private development projects. Funds are generated by growth in the Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) of properties within a designated district over a period of 23 years.

 

TIF Application

 

Funding levels for specific projects are coordinated with area plans and goals. When an area is declared a TIF district, the amount of property tax the area generates is set as a base EAV amount. As property values increase, all property tax growth above that amount can be used to fund redevelopment projects within the district. The increase, or increment, can be used to pay back bonds issued to pay upfront costs, or can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis for individual projects. At the conclusion of the 23-year period, the increase in revenue over the base amount is distributed annually among the seven taxing bodies in the city that are based on property values.

Under state law, areas proposed for TIF designation must possess numerous blighting factors to be eligible:

  • Age
  • Obsolescence
  • Code violations
  • Excessive vacancies
  • Overcrowding of facilities
  • Lack of ventilation, light, sanitary facilities
  • Excessive land coverage
  • Inadequate utilities
  • Deleterious land use or layout
  • Lack of physical maintenance
  • Lack of community planning
  • Dilapidation or deterioration

Objective
To help local companies expand and create employment opportunities for Chicago residents.

Qualifications and Restrictions
TIF assistance for eligible projects usually exceeds $1 million. Participating companies and projects must comply with all federal, state and local program requirements.

Supporting Information Facts

Department:
People We Serve:

Additional Information

See also:

TIF district maps by region

TIF success stories