PUBLIC EDUCATION ADVOCATES HOST CITY-WIDE
CONVENING ON TIF DISTRICTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michelle Dillingham, Coordinator for the Cincinnati Educational Justice Coalition (CEJC)
cincinnatieducationjustice@gmail.com or (513) 602-4260
Event Date: 6:00PM-8:00PM Sunday, December 8, 2019
Cincinnati, OH – Should Cincinnati create 15 NEW TIF Districts? The City Administration has asked Cincinnati City Council to approve their proposal to create 15 new TIF districts across Cincinnati neighborhoods by December 18. Public education advocates reviewed the impact of TIFs in other cities, and it was immediately clear how dangerous this tax tool has been to public services, particularly to public schools, as they are the most reliant on property taxes. The public is invited to this special presentation that will educate and "illuminate" Cincinnati on the issue of TIF Districts. Those who are in decision-making positions for community development are especially encouraged to attend including: Neighborhood Community Councils, Community Development Corporations, members of Cincinnati City Council, the Cincinnati Board of Education, the Hamilton County Commissioners, and all City residents who care about their neighborhoods and schools. Critically important information will be shared by national and local presenters on TIF's (Tax Increment Financing) including from;
- Mark Samaan: a city planner with experience in property analysis and a background in GIS spatial analysis. He previously worked with the Better Bus Coalition as a founding member and managed their data analysis. Mark has done extensive analysis of TIF data from the Hamilton County Auditor’s database. He will present some findings from his research to help inform future policy decisions by neighborhoods and City Council as they contemplate whether to approve more TIF Districts.
- Thomas Tresser: founder of the “TIF Illumination Project” in Chicago, IL. He will present lessons learned from Chicago’s use of TIF Districts, and raise critical issues that Cincinnati should understand, as we make policy decisions about expanding TIF Districts.
WHAT: City-Wide Assembly/Roll Call: TIF Districts, What You Need To Know!
WHO: All stakeholders to Cincinnati neighborhoods – especially people who are decision-makers for community and economic development
WHEN: 6:00PM-8:00PM Sunday, December 8, 2019
WHERE: CPS Education Center 2651 Burnet Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219
PROGRAM: Presentations on TIF Districts from local and national experts, followed by audience Q&A
EVENT HOSTS: Cincinnati Educational Justice Coalition and the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers
Praise for “TIF Illumination Project” Founder Thomas Tresser: "Thank you Thomas Tresser for the eye-opening experience regarding TIFs in the 11th Ward. Unbelievable and still in awe. #11taxtricks” -From an attendee of the 11th Ward Illumination.
"You shed light on the complex issue of TIFs and continue to push for more transparency to inform taxpayers where their tax dollars are being underutilized for those in most need is simply remarkable. Citizens of Chicago are fortunate to have people like you. Best wishes!” -From the organizer of the 23rd Ward Illumination.
###
The Cincinnati Educational Justice Coalition (CEJC) is a coalition of parents, community, faith and labor organizations, civic organizations, and concerned citizens who are committed to ensuring every child has access to a public school system that provides an equitable and quality education in a positive learning environment.