In 2012, the City completed the Southeast Master Plan (SEMP) to create an implementation strategy for the development of land within Geneva’s facility planning area – adjacent to the Kane-DuPage county line.

The SEMP contemplates tax increment financing (TIF) as a primary funding mechanism for development. TIF is needed because the territory is challenged by substantial upfront infrastructure and site prep costs. Opportunities for such improvements are constrained by manmade and natural environments, and Geneva as a non-home rule municipality has limited funding options.

The creation of the TIF will allow the City to pledge future development property tax revenue to pay for the completion of certain improvements. The City has initiated the public review process for the proposed Southeast Master Plan Tax Increment Financing District (TIF No. 4).

Statements and questions (listed in BOLD) were made during public comment at City meetings, some of which included misinformation or misinterpretations of the proposed TIF No. 4 and the City’s intended use of bonds. The City aims to clarify details about this proposed City initiative:

• May 24 FAQs document
• June 7 FAQs document