Last month, we published a column by Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley on the spread of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in Chicago. In the piece, titled "The TIF Twilight Zone," Quigley highlighted how this economic development tool has extended beyond its original purpose -- " to spark redevelopment of blighted or near-blighted neighborhoods" -- and now encapsulates "such notable tenements as the Sears Tower, Chicago Board of Trade, and City Hall." Moreover, Quigley cited the utter lack of transparency and accountability regarding the property tax revenue squirreled away by this system and noted an ordinance he proposed to "to change the way property tax bills are calculated so that taxpayers can see how much of their payments are going into TIF accounts."
In response, one Progress Illinois commenter wrote:
You are right, the more I learn about TIF, the more I am outraged. But worse, the more powerless I feel. Where do you suggest we direct our outcry? My alderman, Pat O'Connor, is a big Daley yes-man who runs unopposed. He does not CARE if I am outraged. What to do?
We sent the reader's question along to Quigley's office and got the following TIF tips from policy director Jason Liechty:
1) Stay informed. To learn more, read Mike's report on the issue ("A Tale Of Two Cities") and explore Ben Joravsky's ongoing TIF reporting at the Chicago Reader.
2) Talk to your family/friends/neighbors and get them informed/outraged as well. You could begin that process by simply emailing them the link to Mike's column.
3) Despite the feeling of futility, do talk to your elected representatives and let them know that you and your family/friends/neighbors are talking about the issue. It's particularly important to contact those in a position to do something -- city officials and state legislators -- to let them know you are watching. Sadly we at the County have very little leverage when it comes to TIF.
4) Support Mike's TIF legislation in the County when the time comes. We're hoping to have Comm. John Daley, chairman of the Finance Committee, schedule a hearing on Mike's ordinance in September. A big showing by concerned members of the public can only help draw attention to this issue.
on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 12:15
While rereading my response just now, I realized that asking folks to support Commissioner Quigley's TIF legislation immediately after saying that there's little that can be done at the County level might be a tad confusing. In fact, Mike's legislation would take what leverage the County does have--its role in administering the property tax system--and use it to full advantage, by requiring tax bills to include the actual amount taxpayers pay into TIF funds. Other, bigger changes to the TIF system will have to be made on the municipal or state level.
Thanks to Josh and Progress Illinois for devoting attention to this important issue. We'll be sure to keep everyone posted as developments occur.
Jason Liechty
Director of Policy
Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, 10th District
http://www.CommissionerQuigley.com