TIF is a state-authorized, redevelopment and finance program designed to help communities improve and redevelop areas that are physically deteriorated, suffering economic stagnation, unsafe or poorly planned. In short, it’s intended to leverage public resources (in the form of tax funds) for re-investment in the community.

               Prosper Portland’s use of TIF resources has been progressive. TIF has supported Action Plans in Old Town, North/Northeast, Gateway & Lents with goals like affordable commercial tenanting and investments that align with the agency’s strategic plan goals for healthy neighborhoods and widely shared prosperity.

In 2011, the creation of the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative employed a community-city partnership to build capacity for community-specific economic development. The shift in TIF usage also redirected focus toward low-income populations and communities of color.  However, these NPN districts are small and limited in duration, generating very modest tax increment finance revenue over a decade.

1. The development of Gateway Discovery Park and the adjacent The Nick Fish mixed-use housing project were collaborative, multi-partner, community-driven efforts involving considerable engagement with neighborhood businesses and community members.

2. The North/Northeast Action Plan Leadership Committee works in partnership with Prosper Portland to implement the Action Plan for the N/NE Community Development Initiative for economic development in the N/NE Interstate Corridor. The Initiative has focused on TIF-eligible, “bricks & mortar” development projects and prioritizes non-TIF investments that support Initiative goals, such as business technical assistance. The committee leads with a focus on engagement with communities of color; supports partnerships with community-based organizations and leaders; provides recommendations on Action Plan direction and investment priorities; identifies service providers to advise on Action Plan implementation; assesses progress; and makes recommendations to improve impact.

              If the Prosper Portland Board and City Council approve the creation of this district, fund distribution will be handled with transparency and will follow the Cully TIF District Plan priorities, whether through a public and competitive process or in the case of loans or grants, by using program guidelines adopted by the Prosper Portland board and reported on to the public.

            All input is considered. Surveys to date prioritized input from marginalized communities (those most vulnerable to displacement) to understand how the Cully TIF District might work against displacement.

1. Prosper Portland is planning two open houses for spring 2022. More details will be shared here as they develop. For future updates on Cully TIF work and other Prosper Portland efforts, sign up for our newsletter.
2. Additionally, Prosper Portland will send out surveys to capture your thoughts.
3. Comment on the Cully TIF proposal – More details to come.
4. Public hearings will take place during the public approval process. Testimony may be submitted at the Planning and Sustainability Commission, Prosper Portland Board, and Portland City Council. More details will be shared here.
5. You may submit comments at any time to cullytif@prosperportland.us

             Prosper Portland, Portland Housing Bureau, and Exploration Leadership Committee, made up of seven organizations as well as community members from priority populations, are exploring the use of TIF funds for anti-displacement. Once the TIF district is formed, accountability is multi-layered: to City Council, the community, the TIF plan and Five-Year Action Plan, budget advisory committee, our auditors, and indirectly, the district’s bond holders. Prosper Portland is responsible for distributing the funds and administering TIF districts for the City of Portland. The Cully community-led TIF proposal must be approved by City Council.

No, TIF uses existing real estate taxes already being paid to invest back into the community.