Five years ago, two developers got approval for tax-increment financing (TIF) projects in St. Joseph, Missouri. One was a success, the other a failure. What happened?
North Pointe has a restaurant, spa and other shops that are moderately successful. Tuscany Village, on the other hand, has failed to attract any retailers at all. The city can pull the TIFs after five years, but as Clint Thompson, the city's planning director puts it:
"...such a move would not bring a benefit, as the TIF does not cost taxpayers any money. Abolishing the TIF could even hinder revitalization of the site in the future.
"We've had a hard enough time developing the property with the TIF, so why would you want to eliminate that incentive?" Mr. Thompson asked."
FULL STORY: A Tale of Two TIFs
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