The People's TIF's
Valerie F. Leonard
Published: July 1, 2015
Carolina Gaete and Cecile Carroll DeMello, Co-Directors of Blocks Together, will be guests on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, July 6, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is a forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u.
Monday’s episode will provide an explanation of what TIF’s are; look at ways TIFs have been used traditionally in Chicago; and show ways they can be used to better benefit people who live in communities undergoing change. There will be opportunities for listeners to call in with questions and participate in live chats. Nonprofit professionals and community stakeholders are especially encouraged to call in and share their TIF stories. The live call in number is (347) 884-8121.
Since 2008, Blocks Together has managed to work with local residents and elected officials to bring democracy to the TIF program; develop affordable housing and make micro-financing available to small businesses from the neighborhood.
Valerie F. Leonard
“When we read about TIF’s in Chicago, we typically read of lack of transparency, extreme surpluses, lack of accountability, and how large corporations benefit,” Leonard said. “Usually, residents of impacted communities are left ‘on the outside looking in’ in their own communities”. Not so in Humboldt Park. Blocks Together has utilized conventional wisdom and new models to show how TIF’s can be used to benefit local residents and neighborhood businesses.
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