Community Impact—TIF Funding
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has become a commonly used tool for municipalities to generate revenues for infrastructure improvements such as roads, stormwater, multi-purpose trails, mixed-use development, and other public projects vital to a community. TIFs can be designated on individual properties or in larger TIF Districts for a period of up to 30 years.
What Is Tax Increment Financing?
A TIF does not defer property taxes but instead redirects the property tax payments, called PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), to the local municipality to fund public improvements. School districts are still entitled to receive property tax revenues through direct payments from the municipality.
How the City of Green Leverages TIF Funding for Economic Growth and Development
The City of Green is an example of a community that has embraced this economic development tool to fuel their steady economic growth and development over the past 20 years. The city has:
- Established 53 individual TIFs
- Added several TIF Districts covering more than 450 residential parcels
- Received over $5 million in PILOT payments in 2025 to support public improvements
Their long-standing School Compensation Agreement with Green Local Schools provides certainty of funding and approval for all TIF agreements.
A Collaborative TIF Project That Benefits Both Developers and the Community
The city’s Spring Hill Development, a mixed-use development along Arlington Road, is using TIF revenues to fund the construction of a three-quarter-mile extension of Southwood Drive, a strategic segment of roadway between the Massillon Road Primary Development Corridor and Arlington Road Secondary Development Corridor.
Traffic congestion on the adjoining Boettler Road was an issue, and the development of this parcel of land seemed as though it would only add to the problem.
Funded entirely by TIF revenues, the city and developer are collaborating to complete the Southwood Drive extension to reduce traffic on Boettler Road, making it a “win” for both the developer and the traveling public. This creative funding stack will provide continual revenue generation for the city for years to come.
Building for the Future Through Strategic Infrastructure Investment
As the city embarks on a $18 million roadway expansion of Arlington Road in 2026, the project funding stack includes $14 million in federal and state grants, with the balance of project costs being covered by TIF-supported bonds, making the entire construction project General Fund neutral.
Learn More About EDG’s Economic Development Consulting
Through thoughtful economic development strategies and effective use of TIF funding, Green continues to grow and prosper economically, building out public infrastructure and improvements that will serve its residents for generations to come.
To learn more about this project or TIF funding, contact EDG’s Economic Development team.