Some may want to fool the public into thinking it's basically free money, but our property tax dollars that would have normally funded schools, parks, police, and other city services are frozen, making other surrounding communities responsible for paying for the services within the TIF district. Congressman Quigley believes your property taxes have increased by 10% because of these TIFs and for years has sought for reform to ensure they are used in a more responsible manner. You can read about his efforts to promote reform here.
I support TIFs, but my concern has been the lack of transparency, accountability, and public involvement with them. Real TIF reform has gone by the wayside and in Chicago, the checks & balances have been noticeably absent. You and I pay for this lack of accountability.
Briefly.....
- I won't support a TIF within the ward unless there is approval from a community-led Zoning & Development Committee and it's located within a census tract with poverty exceeding 25%.
- I won't accept campaign donations from developers, attorneys, and contractors who would benefit from a proposed TIF because I don't believe in "pay to play" politics.
- Information about a TIF in the 46th Ward needs complete transparency and provided in such a way that can help citizens understand how their property tax dollars are financing a TIF project.
- The Opens Meeting Act must be followed when TIFs are discussed within the 46th Ward.
However, real reform must go beyond the 46th Ward and beyond the City of Chicago. I don't see politicians willing to police themselves, but more required transparency will help lead the way to forcing measures for real reform.
I'll start with requiring transparency and accountability within the 46th Ward.
