A common and sometimes controversial funding mechanism is growing in popularity in suburban Minnesota, even as its use in the urban core decreases.
Eric Roper and John Reinan report that communities in the suburbs of the Twin Cities are relying more and more on tax increment financing (TIF), as Minneapolis has largely abandoned the funding mechanism except top fund housing.
According to the article, TIF is "the backbone of Edina’s plan to rebuild a massive 1960s office park; of Wayzata’s new downtown housing and retail complex; of glitzy outdoor malls in St. Louis Park and Eagan; and mixed-use districts around several Northstar commuter rail stations."
In fact, the 15 costliest subsidy districts approved in the state in the last five years were all located in the suburbs or outstate Minnesota. Meanwhile, the amount of revenue generated by TIF in Minneapolis is in decline as older districts expire, according to the article.
The article includes a lot more examples of case studies from cities around the state of Minnesota.
FULL STORY: Suburbs embrace tax subsides as Minneapolis' interest fades
Funding Rolling in for Still-Uncertain Nicollet Ave Streetcar in Minneapolis
Several new developments are adding funds to the pot of money in a streetcar district created by Minneapolis to circumvent a politically unpalatable tax increment financing district.
Op-Ed: Stop Attacking My Suburb!
A proud suburban resident defends her neighborhood from the criticisms of city-dwellers. It's not walkable, it's not perfect, but it's home.
Looking Back on 60 Years of Land Development in the Twin Cities
In 1960, about 12 percent of the Twin Cities metro's land was already developed. By 2020, about 34 percent had been developed. Many factors influenced how the region has changed since 1960.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)