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RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW TIF FUNDS TO BE USED FOR SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY
WHEREAS, The State of Illinois authorized tax increment financing (TIF) in the 1970s as a mechanism for local governments to spur economic development in geographic areas that are considered blighted and deteriorating; and
WHEREAS, Under the Tax; Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act (the "Act"), TIF funds may be used to reimburse certain redevelopment project costs, including for: administration of a TIF redevelopment project; property acquisition; renovation or rehabilitation of public or private buildings; construction of public improvements; job training related to the TIF area; financing costs; studies, surveys and; plans; marketing related to sites within the TIF; and certain professional services, such as architecture and design services for the redevelopment project; and
WHEREAS, While TIF districts are intended to stimulate economic development and enhance community vitality, the list of eligible redevelopment project costs is missing a key component -TIF fuhds may not be used to directly finance public safety programs and security services within conservation areas and blighted areas; and
WHEREAS, Since its adoption, the General Assembly has amended the list of eligible project costs to include a variety of additional costs - including professional and marketing services,"but not public safety programs and security 'services directly aimed at alleviating the adverse conditions which lead to conservation areas and blighted areas; and
WHEREAS, Instead of excluding costs to address an issue that is both a "blighting factor" and an effect of other blighting factors that can create a downward cycle in blighted areas and conservation areas, the General Assembly must amend the Act to allow municipalities to spend TIF funds for improved security in redevelopment project areas; now,: therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members...
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