Comments on: Column: Let’s Take Time on Ann Arbor Budget

By: Leah Gunn

Leah Gunn — Tue, 22 May 2012 02:29:09 +0000

The DDA captures TIF on the initial increased value of new construction in the downtown district. After that, any increase in value goes back to the originating jurisdictions (City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor District Library, and the AATA – including the voted millages by these jurisdictions, e.g. parks and natural areas.) Since the inception of the DDA in 1982, the State Equalized Value of property in the district has increased by about $300 million (that’s $600 million market rate). Of the existing TIF, the DDA captures 37.5% while the other jurisdictions receive 62.5%. This system is unusual because most DDAs in the state also capture the added value. So, in the long run the DDA has very much benefitted the jurisdictions from which it captures TIF.

Mr. Kunselman’s amendment was defeated tonight 8-3.

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:44:50 +0000

It's right there on the DDA website: 2011/2012 DDA Budget DDA Annual Report It's interesting that the TIF capture is only about 20% of their income--the rest is parking fees, and most of that money goes right back out to parking expenses (paying Republic, and payments to the city).

By: TJ

TJ — Sun, 20 May 2012 03:35:36 +0000

What exactly does the DDA *do* with all those tax dollars they get, and how does it benefit the city as a whole?

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Sun, 20 May 2012 02:29:34 +0000

I’m grateful for (1) your thoughtful coverage of this; (2) the fact that councilmembers are addressing the budget with so much attention (3) CM Sabra Briere’s newsletter on the same subject.

Budgets are simultaneously the most boring and the most important things that legislative bodies do. Try explaining any of this as part of a political campaign.