Indiana TIFs : a study of tax increment financing in Indiana

Tax Increment Financing ('11k) is becoming an increasingly popular means of financing public investment intended to stimulate private sector growth. The Indiana legislature passed TIF enabling legislation in 1975. However, in 1980 there were no cities using TIF in Indiana. By 1989, ten cities and four counties were sponsoring TIF districts and total incremental assessed value (AV) in those districts was approximately $69,000,000. By 1992, thirty-one cities and six counties were sponsoring TIF districts,with total incremental AV amounting to over $367,000,000.Previous TIF studies have investigated the relationship between TIF and variables such as population and economic growth rates. No previous study has attempted to survey and identify various forms of TIF. The identification and understanding of the many forms of TIF is an essential component of judging the effectiveness of TIE. This study surveys all jurisdictions implementing TIP within the state of Indiana. The TIF districts are then grouped in logical fashion. Principal groupings include: method of designation; purpose; and method of finance. Once grouped into the logical categories the various forms of TIF will be analyzed from both a subjective public policy perspective and an empirical analysis of TIF's effect on local AV growth rates.Department of Urban PlanningThesis (M.U.R.P.