Tennessee · Mayors

Tennessee mayors: new TIF legislation that protects your city and grows your tax base

You were elected to grow your community and deliver results — but every major development decision carries your name. Tennessee's new TIF legislation (SB 1760 / HB 1892) gives you a powerful tool to attract private investment without pledging your city's credit or taxing power. Developer-backed TIF Bonds shift the financial risk to the developer, eliminate general obligation exposure, and turn underdeveloped land into long-term tax revenue, jobs, and civic pride.

Say yes to development — without putting your city on the hook
Municipal · Tennessee

Risk Off Your Books

Say yes to development — without putting your city on the hook

The fear every mayor faces with public incentives is the same: what if the project fails and the city is left holding the risk? Developer-backed TIF Bonds eliminate that concern entirely. For mayors navigating the balance between constituent skepticism and developer expectations, this is the structure that lets you champion growth with full transparency.

  • The developer — not the municipality — contractually guarantees bond repayment under the taxpayer agreement framework
  • Taxpayer agreement liens carry property-tax priority, run with the land, and take precedence over any existing mortgage
  • Your city is a conduit issuer, not a guarantor — no general obligation debt, no bond-rating impact, no general fund exposure
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May 1
Structuring Your TIF: What It Means for Tennessee and Mayors

For Tennessee mayors championing TIF-supported development, the ultimate goal is a completed project that grows the tax base without exposing your city to financial risk. Achieving that goal depends on how the TIF Bond is structured — and specifically, whether[…]

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May 1
TIF Overview for Tennessee Mayors

If you are a Tennessee mayor who has heard the term “developer-backed TIF Bond” but has not yet had the chance to explore what it means for your community, this overview is for you. SB 1760, signed into law during[…]

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May 1
TIF Expertise: Common Pitfalls for Tennessee Mayors to Avoid

Tennessee’s new developer-backed TIF Bond framework is a powerful tool — but like any complex financial instrument, the details matter. For mayors championing TIF-supported development in their communities, there are common missteps that can undermine a project’s success, erode public[…]

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Get the Full Tennessee TIF Playbook for Mayors

Tennessee’s new TIF legislation introduces taxpayer agreements, first-priority lien security, and conduit bond authority — tools that fundamentally change how your city can incentivize development. Our free Tennessee Developer-Backed TIF Guide breaks down SB 1760 / HB 1892 in plain language, walks through the step-by-step process from developer application to bond issuance, and gives you the talking points you need for council presentations and constituent conversations. Download your copy and have the full framework ready before your next development meeting.

Prefer to reach us directly?

capital@hagemancapital.com
From ribbon cutting to long-term revenue growth
Team · Growth

Long-Term Revenue

From ribbon cutting to long-term revenue growth

TIF captures the increase in property tax revenue generated by a new development — while the original base amount continues flowing to the city, county, and all taxing jurisdictions as usual. As mayor, your role centers on championing the project publicly, working with your economic development team to evaluate proposals, and ensuring the governing body approves a TIF plan that serves the community's long-term interests.

  • No new taxes created, no existing revenue redirected
  • Allocation periods up to 20 years via an Industrial Development Board or 30 years via a Housing Authority
  • Completed projects expand your tax base for a generation — with zero municipal credit at risk

Let's Build a TIF Strategy for Your Community

Every municipality is different — and so is every development opportunity. Hageman Capital works directly with mayors across Tennessee as a free expert resource, helping you evaluate whether TIF fits your community’s goals, understand the structuring process, and prepare for council and constituent conversations with confidence. We’re not a replacement for your financial advisors or legal counsel — we’re a specialized TIF resource that works alongside your existing team. No cost, no obligation. Schedule a conversation with Whitney Peterson, our Director of Government Relations, and let’s explore what developer-backed TIF Bonds can do for your city.

Prefer to reach us directly?

capital@hagemancapital.com