Every ED Director knows the pressure: developers evaluate multiple markets simultaneously, and the city that offers the most financially compelling incentive package wins the project. Under the Taxpayer Agreement Act, you can now structure developer-backed TIF Bonds where the developer’s contractual guarantee is enforceable as delinquent real estate taxes — the strongest collection remedy available. Combined with Kansas’s existing special obligation bond authority under KSA 12-1774(a), which allows multiple revenue streams including ad valorem increment, local sales tax, and franchise fees, you have an incentive package that is difficult for developers to walk away from. The key differentiator: the developer can sell their TIF Bond to a capital provider like Hageman Capital and receive upfront cash for construction — making TIF the most financially impactful incentive in your toolkit.

Kansas TIF captures ad valorem increment above the base year valuation for up to 20 years — with school district and state mill levies protected. The process requires a feasibility study demonstrating the project would not proceed but for TIF assistance, a two-thirds supermajority vote to adopt the project plan, and a redevelopment agreement detailing developer obligations and eligible costs. Eligible costs include land acquisition, demolition, utilities, streets, parking structures, and site preparation — though not construction of privately owned buildings. Your role is to navigate this process efficiently, present a defensible deal to the governing body, and ensure the developer’s commitment is locked in through a strong redevelopment agreement and taxpayer agreement. With the right structure, every deal in your pipeline becomes a repeatable model for long-term community growth.