AN ANALYSIS OF THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES ASSOCIATED WITH TIF USAGE IN WISCONSIN

Abstract

The problems associated with "urban blight" can be connected with a variety of problems associated with the ongoing decay of American inner cities. These problems include white flight, crime, obsolete (and in many cases unsafe) infrastructure, drug and alcohol problems, adverse effects on community and neighborhood aesthetics, declining property values, negative impact on public health and safety, the diminution of economic development and investment, unsafe public spaces, and so forth. These have been some of the difficult challenges that municipal leaders have faced. One of the possible solutions to rectify the deterioration of United States inner cities includes the creation of Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs). The purpose of this research paper is to provide an objective analysis of the usage of TIDs in the State of Wisconsin since 1975. This literature review will provide a brief history of urban development and provide analysis of the positive and negative view points associated with the incorporation of TID as an economic revitalization tool. This paper will specifically address the effects of TID usage in relation to property tax values, employment statistics, and TID usage trends. It will provide examples of TID abuses, a summary of the pros and cons associated with TIDs, and recommendations to improve TIDs. The conclusion of this literature review will encapsulate and provide recommendations for where additional research and analysis is needed to provide a firm determination of the positive and negative attributes associated TIDs.