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Tax Increment Financing Districts 

Tax Increment Finance Districts (“District TIFs”) cover an area of up to 300 acres - typically centered on neighborhood business districts or several sites - wherein property taxes corresponding to increased property values contribute to a public improvement fund instead of typical taxing jurisdictions. The increment collected in these districts is used for public improvements that benefit or serve that district.

Once a District TIF is established, over time, property values within the District TIF increase or decrease from their original value at the time it was approved. If the values increase above the base values, the increased value is captured in the form of TIF revenue. This revenue can be used for projects such as roads, streetscapes, public spaces, water & sewer lines, environmental remediation, land acquisition, demolition, housing improvements, parking facilities, stormwater & flood remediation projects, and more.

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Goal​

 

District TIFs can serve as a meaningful way for neighborhoods to collectively benefit from development in the neighborhood. They are a valuable tool for revitalization of blighted or underinvested-in areas of Cincinnati, and ensure such neighborhoods remain vital and healthy.

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Who Can Apply?

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  • Non-Profits Developers

  • Community Councils

  • Community Development Corporations

TIF Districts Across Cincinnati

If on a mobile device, CLICK HERE to see the Available Properties Dashboard. If on a computer, see below.
The Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) dashboard provides a high-level overview on the revenue collected in each district, expenses, and current fund balance. Users can filter projects based on City's Budget Fiscal Year and TIF Districts.

More on this dashboard can be found in its CincyInsights Webpage.

Overview of Process

 

TIF Districts are created by the City, with guidance from neighborhood stakeholders on the boundary and plan for public improvements. First, a neighborhood requests a District TIF (or the City Administration identifies an area that merits consideration of a District TIF due to public infrastructure or housing needs). Once the area is determined eligible, as defined by the “distress characteristics” set under State law and further research by the City, the Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED") and the City of Cincinnati's Planning & Engagement Department draw up a proposed boundary. DCED engages with community stakeholders, sends notice to all property owners within the boundary, and holds a public hearing. Then, legislation to establish a District TIF is passed by City Council, with the County and the School District having the opportunity to object in particular circumstances. In terms of collecting and spending District TIF money, revenues are collected by the County and provided to the City to deposit into a specific fund for the District TIF. Neighborhoods propose uses of these funds by either submitting requests to the City through DCED or submitting letters of support to Developers seeking the use of funds. Once a project is identified, City Council approves the transfer of the designated amount of funds to the project account; projects are subject to resident input.

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Timeline​

 

District TIFs are appropriated to projects on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.

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Interested? Have questions? For more information, contact:

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Greg Koehler, greg.koehler@cincinnati-oh.gov

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