2018 News

Incentive reform key to racial equity in America’s cities

A new paper by Molly Metzger, assistant professor at the Brown School, and Nay’Chelle Harris, masters research fellow in housing policy, analyzes “Team TIF St. Louis,” a novel, resident-driven collaboration focused on government transparency and racial equity in the use of Tax Increment Financing and other incentives.

The case study, “St. Louis’ ‘Team TIF’: A Community–Academic Partnership for Tax Incentive Reform,” was published Jan. 31 in the Journal of Urban Affairs.

In the paper, Metzger and Harris describe TIF and tax abatement in the context of the St. Louis area, including specific examples of their misuse. They then provided strategies that Team TIF has used to educate the public on the issue, closing with a discussion of possible local- and state-level reforms.

“It is exciting to see the increased awareness of tax incentives in St. Louis,” said Metzger, faculty director of Thriving Communities at the Center for Social Development.

“TIF and tax abatement are fairly ‘wonky’ topics that haven’t always received the public attention they deserve. Thanks to the work of Team TIF and others, many in our region are starting to see how these policies often perpetuate structural racism.”

Team TIF has increased the St. Louis public’s awareness of tax incentives through presenting directly to hundreds of residents across the city and building a strong social media presence, Metzger said. Team TIF members also participated in a recent forum on equitable economic development, hosted by 100 Resilient Cities and the office of St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson; partnered with conventional media; increased student involvement; and maintained the group’s independence.

“The conversation about racial equity continues to grow in St. Louis,” Metzger said. “Incentive reform is one step we could take toward that important goal.”