COLUMBIA — Organizers hope a panel discussion Wednesday afternoon will help clear up confusion about tax increment financing, transportation development districts and community improvement districts.
"I think there are a number of people who have no idea what they're about," said Ben Londeree, chairman of the Boone County Smart Growth Coalition.
Londeree said the panel will allow members of the public to offer suggestions for proper use of the three tax arrangements, which are frequently used by developers and business districts.
Developer and real estate agent Robert Wolverton, Columbia Missourian city editor Scott Swafford and Third Ward City Councilman Karl Skala will present definitions of the arrangements. Then a panel of four stakeholders will discuss the merits of each and answer questions. The panel includes:
The forum is sponsored by the Columbia-Boone County League of Women Voters, the Boone County Smart Growth Coalition and the Missouri Sunshine Coalition.
The panel will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the in the Columbia Public Library Friends Room.