1. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING: Strategic Considerations for Development (or Planning, Process and Pitfalls) Center for Economic Development Law Leslie V. Batchelor 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606 lesliebatchelor@econlaw.com

2. Local Redevelopment Using TIFs  A city, town or county may implement a TIF in an area that is unproductive, undeveloped, underdeveloped or blighted (OK Constitution).  The Local Development Act provides tools to be used in areas where investment, development, and economic growth are difficult but possible if the Act is used. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

3. What is a TIF?  A TIF allows a city to direct the apportionment of an increment of certain local taxes and fees to finance public project costs in order to stimulate development in the area.  The increment is the portion of the ad valorem taxes produced by the increased value of the property in the TIF district. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

4. TIF Project Plans  The TIF district is established by the development and approval of a project plan, which must specify the boundaries of the district, the objectives of the project area, the projects to be carried out in furtherance of those objectives and the cost. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

5. TIF Validation  TIF districts have been validated by court proceedings involving:  Two TIF districts in Oklahoma City (for economic development projects at the Oklahoma Health Center and for the Downtown/MAPS project) and,  The TIF district in Guymon, OK (for the Guymon-Seaboard Economic Development project). Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

6. Steps for Considering and Creating a TIF district:  City Council Initiates Process:  City Council passes resolution establishing review committee and appoints its representative  The Review Committee consists of:  A representative of City Council, to serve as chairperson;  A representative of the Planning Commission;  A representative designated by each taxing jurisdiction within the proposed district whose ad valorem taxes might be impacted according to the plan; and  Three members representing the public at-large and selected by the other committee members form a list of seven names submitted by the chairperson of the review committee. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

7. Review Committee Consideration  Committee elects at-large members  Committee studies proposed project and makes findings on eligibility of proposed project area and district  Committee makes finding on financial impact of proposed district upon affected taxing entities  Committee makes a recommendation regarding approval of proposed project and creation of district. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

8. Planning Commission Review  Planning Commission determines whether proposed project plan conforms with comprehensive (master) plan for the City.  Planning Commission makes a recommendation regarding approval of proposed project plan. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

9. City Council Consideration and Approval I  City Council must hold two public hearings before adoption of a project plan– one to provide information and to answer questions, and a second to give interested persons the opportunity to express their views on the proposed plan.  City Council considers the findings and recommendation of the Review Committee and the resolution and recommendation of the Planning Commission.  City Council makes final determination that the proposed district meets the eligibility criteria of the statute, including that the project area is an enterprise area, an historic preservation area, or a reinvestment area. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

10. City Council Consideration and Approval II  City Council makes finding that the improvement of the area is likely to enhance the value of other real property in the area and to promote the general public interest.  City Council adopts ordinance approving the project and establishing the increment district. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

11. Examples of successful TIF districts  Oklahoma City  Durant  Guymon  Seminole  Midwest City  Norman  Okmulgee Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

12. Planning, Process and Pitfalls Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

13. Planning Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606 If you don't know where you are going, how can you expect to get there? - Basil S. Walsh

14. Planning Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606 Have a plan. Follow the plan, and you'll be surprised how successful you can be. Most people don't have a plan. That's why it's easy to beat most folks. - Paul "Bear" Bryant, football coach, University of Alabama's Crimson Tide.

15. Planning Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606 Goals are dreams we convert to plans and take action to fulfill. - Zig Ziglar

16. Process  Consult affected entities early.  Engage the business community.  Communicate effectively.  Designate a point person.  Negotiate conditional development agreement(s).  Make it a win-win-win. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606 DO:

17. Pitfalls Don’t: assume a TIF will produce revenue. Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606

18. Pitfalls Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606 Don’t: assume the work is done once you adopt a TIF district.  on-going accounting  annual reporting

19. Pitfalls Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606 Don’t: use an ad valorem TIF for retail.

20. Questions? Center for Economic Development Law 301 N. Harvey, Ste. 200 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73102 ● (405) 232-4606