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. Under Tennessee’s new taxpayer agreement framework, the developer — not the municipality — contractually guarantees bond repayment. Taxpayer agreement liens carry the same priority as property tax liens, run with the land, and take precedence over any existing mortgage. Your city serves as a conduit issuer, not a guarantor. That means no general obligation debt, no impact on your bond rating, and no exposure to your general fund. For mayors navigating the balance between constituent skepticism and developer expectations, this is the structure that lets you champion growth with full transparency.
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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.
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. No new taxes are created, and no existing revenue is redirected. Tennessee allows TIF allocation periods of up to 20 years through an Industrial Development Board or up to 30 years through a Housing Authority. 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. The result: completed projects that 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.