WEDG hosts TIF presentation this week

WASHINGTON - The Washington Economic Development Group’s next guest speaker will present on a sophisticated incentive mechanism used by local governments to encourage business growth, called Tax Increment Financing, or TIF.

The presentation from Municipal Consultant Pat Callahan, titled “TIF 101” will go over the mechanism’s history, common uses, differences from similar programs, and various details about how it works.

WEDG Director Mary Audia said she hoped the event would appeal not only to the Washington area’s local government officials, but its business leaders.

“It’s also for any big developers, realtors, bankers,” she said. “It’s something we’ve been kind of looking at for a while, and we recognize that there’s a lot of questions surrounding TIF ... One of our pillars, in our strategic planning, is community support. So this is an educational piece we thought we could bring to the community.”

The presentation is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Washington Public Library on Friday, March 22. Those interested can sign up for the free event using the link in the online version of this article. Registration closes at the end of the day on Wednesday, March 20.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com