The first application round for the City-Wide Affordable Housing TIF Funds to support the redevelopment of vacant properties throughout Baltimore City has been announced. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a public financing tool used by local governments to encourage development and redevelopment in underutilized or distressed areas. The application period for the initial round of funds is now closed.
REVIEW Submitted Questions and Answers
The Affordable Housing TIF legislation is based on inclusivity and prioritizing legacy residents, small and emerging developers and women and minority-owned businesses.
TIF funds can be requested by completing a funding application that can be found on DHCDs website. The amount of funds that can be requested and awarded will be determined by a variety of factors that will be included as part of the funding application
Construction budgets will be reviewed by the City’s Bond Counsel and confirmed that the proposed uses are an eligible use of TIF Bond proceeds as part of DHCD’s review and award process.
TIF Funds will made available as grants – all awardees will be required to execute a grant agreement with DHCD that will be based on the project description, budget, schedule, financing and ability to complete projects and obtain a Use and Occupancy Permit.
Homes redeveloped using TIF funds can be used for rentals or homeownership and may emphasize homeownership because it is one of the most significant ways to build generational wealth and is one of the most effective ways to help increase the City’s tax base.
Affordable Housing TIF Funds two uses: constructing public infrastructure that is required to build new housing as part of a city-sponsored homeownership development project and the following hard construction costs to redevelop vacant buildings: excavation, demolition grading, or similar site improvements in preparation of construction or rehabilitation of the vacant unit, building structure or shell, foundations / framing / floor structure, roof structure / roof cover, floor cover / ceiling / interior construction and finishings, exterior finish, building service equipment, including the electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, alarm systems, elevators, fire protection systems, computer and network cabling, and telecommunications cabling and stationary equipment, and other building fixed equipment (built-in or attached).
TIF funds can be used for homeownership or rental properties. Under the City Charter, TIF funds can be used to support households earning up to 115% of the area median income, or approximately $149,845 for a household of four as determined by HUD in 2025.
Mayor Scott recognizes that many City families earn considerably less than 115% of area median income and is committed to using TIF funds to make homeownership affordable to incomes where it is most needed, including at 60% and 80% of area median income. Affordability will be one factor that is used to determine the amount of TIF Funds that will be made available to redevelop properties.
