Latest TIF take: opaque, no brake

Dave Glowacz interviews the Chicago Reader's Ben Joravsky about the hundreds of millions of dollars stockpiled in Chicago's tax-increment financing (TIF) accounts during 2017, as reported by the Cook County Clerk.

Dave and Ben discuss tax-increment financing's central flaw around inequity; how mayoral candidates' voter calculus might craft their reactions to TIF; comparing the approaches to developer subsidy of Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1st) and Ald. John Arena (45th); and a clue that the city will extend TIF coverage around Sterling Bay's Lincoln Yards development. Length 6.9 minutes standard, 36 minutes premium.

Music: "Less Texting" by Mobile Steam Unit

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Article: "Attention protest marchers: Here's the hidden reason behind many of Chicago's financial inequities" (Chicago Reader)

Press release: Cook County Clerk's report on 2017 TIF revenue