Champion Growth Without the Political Risk
The fear every mayor faces when approving public incentives is real: what if the project stalls and you are left explaining why public resources were committed? Nebraska’s TIF framework already separates CRA bond obligations from city debt. Under the proposed LB 1168, conduit revenue bonds would go further — making bonds payable solely from pledged project revenues, not from any CRA general obligation. Taxpayer agreements would require the developer to guarantee any shortfall, and those liens would carry the same priority as property tax liens. For mayors, this means you can point to an enforceable, contractual backstop that protects the public at every stage. No general fund exposure. No impact on the city’s debt capacity. No political liability if the developer underperforms — because the developer bears that risk, not your city.
Structuring Your TIF: What It Means for Nebraska and Mayors
For Nebraska mayors championing TIF-supported development, the ultimate goal is a completed project that grows the tax base while protecting the CRA and the city. Whether the TIF Bond is structured so a capital provider like Hageman Capital can purchase[…]
TIF Overview for Nebraska Mayors
If you are a Nebraska mayor exploring TIF for your community, this overview covers what you need to know. The Community Development Law provides a proven framework, and proposed LB 1168 would add conduit revenue bonds and taxpayer agreements that[…]
TIF Expertise: Common Pitfalls for Nebraska Mayors to Avoid
Nebraska’s Community Development Law gives mayors a proven TIF framework — but the procedural details and unique characteristics of Nebraska TIF create specific pitfalls to watch for. Hageman Capital works with municipal leaders across the state, and here are the[…]
Get Your Free Nebraska TIF Guide for Mayors
Nebraska’s TIF process involves blight declarations, planning commission reviews, public hearings, and cost-benefit analyses — all before a single bond is issued. Our free guide walks you through the full Community Development Law framework in plain language, explains how proposed conduit revenue bonds under LB 1168 would strengthen your city’s position, and gives you the talking points you need for council presentations and constituent conversations. Download it and be prepared for your next development opportunity.
From Blight Declaration to Tax Base Growth
Nebraska TIF captures the increase in real property taxes above the base value for up to 15 years — or 20 years in areas declared extremely blighted. The base value of taxes continues flowing to all taxing bodies as usual, including school districts and community colleges. The process begins with a substandard and blighted declaration, moves through redevelopment plan approval with planning commission and governing body hearings, and culminates in a redevelopment contract between the CRA and the developer. As mayor, your role is to champion the project publicly, ensure the governing body has a sound cost-benefit analysis demonstrating the but-for test is met, and maintain transparency throughout. The result: completed developments that expand your city’s tax rolls without a dollar of municipal credit at stake.
Let's Build a TIF Strategy for Your Community
Every Nebraska city has different development dynamics — whether you are in a larger metro area or a smaller community looking to catalyze growth in an aging downtown. Hageman Capital works directly with mayors as a free expert resource, helping you understand Nebraska’s TIF framework, evaluate whether projects in your pipeline meet the blight and but-for requirements, and prepare for the public process with confidence. We work alongside your CRA, legal counsel, and financial advisors — not in place of them. Connect with Whitney Peterson, our Director of Government Relations, to start the conversation.