This three-part webinar series takes an in-depth look at what decision-makers need to know when considering using this important economic development tool. Using a best practices approach, this series offers lessons for developing practical skills in a strategic framework to know when and how much to utilize TIF wisely when promoting your community’s long-term economic growth.

Based on ICMA’s new book Tax Increment Financing: A Practical Guide for Analyzing TIF, Risks, Benefits, and Outcomes, this series is hosted by the book’s authors:  Dr. John Kovari, Professor of Political Science & Public Administration at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Joseph Gromacki, the City of Madison’s TIF Coordinator.

What You Will Learn:

• Practical skills used in evaluating TIF proposals
• Real estate development basics
• Accurately forecasting future TIF revenue / Creating a “TIF Run”
• How to evaluate cost projections for TIF proposals
• How to evaluate TIF finances based on metrics used in the real estate and financial industries
• How to scale TIF development assistance to determine the appropriate level of support
• TIF best practices from across the country
• Case study examples of TIF districts

Who Should Attend

Similarly to the book, this program is designed for local government managers (both city and county), assistant managers, department heads, attorneys, and economic development and planning officials who would like to gain a better understanding of the fundaments of TIF.

Sessions and Schedule

ALL PROGRAMS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 1:00-2:30 PM EASTERN

Wednesday, August 27^th | Session 1: TIF Basics

In the first session of the series, you will learn the basics about what TIF is and how it works, as well as how to start evaluating TIF proposals (including how to create a formal TIF application process and determine a project’s initial financial feasibility).

Wednesday, September 3^rd | Session 2: Evaluating TIF Projects & Finances

In the second session, you will learn the fundamentals of how real estate developments are discussed and how TIF can be evaluated in this context, investigating how TIF requests can be analyzed by investigating their project costs and financing.

Wednesday, September 10^th | Session 3: Scaling TIF Assistance and Best Practices

In the third and final session, we will continue covering how to analyze the financial side of TIF deals and learn how best to scale TIF assistance so as to minimize the fiscal risks associated with using it. The last section will summarize keys points and cover some best practices of TIF from around the country.

Note: All sessions will be recorded and available on demand shortly after the conclusion of the live event. Participants will have access to the recordings for six months from the date of purchase.

What You Will Need

Required Reading

• Tax Increment Financing: A Practical Guide for Analyzing TIF Risks, Benefits, and Outcomes 
  Available in Print and Digital