This week the House Local Government Committee chaired by Rep. Lee Chatifield (R – Levering) began taking testimony on Tax Increment Financing authorities. The goal of each presentation, as requested by the chair, is to provide input as to what each stakeholder organization feels needs to be changed through legislation as well as what would be problematic.

This week, the Department of Treasury as well as the Department of Talent and Economic Growth provided testimony on what TIFs are, lack of reporting concerns, concern regarding the duration of some authorities, and reform efforts last session.  The Michigan Association of Counties testified regarding some of misuses and concerns they have including opt out of pre-1994 DDAs and resetting of baselines after so many years among others.

The League will be testifying next week along with a few other stakeholder organizations.

Nikki Brown is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use, and municipal services.  She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org or 517-908-0305.