TIF Shifts to the Suburbs in Minnesota

A common and sometimes controversial funding mechanism is growing in popularity in suburban Minnesota, even as its use in the urban core decreases.

1 minute read

August 17, 2015, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

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

Monday, August 17, 2015 in Minneapolis Star Tribune

Infrastructure Land Use Urban Development Minnesota Tax Increment Financing Minneapolis St. Paul TIF Suburbs Value Capture View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.