EDC/TIFA/BRA

About

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) / Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) / Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) Boards were combined to facilitate and coordinate the work of improving and redeveloping properties throughout the City for the betterment of its residents and businesses.

Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

The EDC promotes, facilitates, and implements plans and projects that support economic and business development through programs and public improvement projects that create economic opportunity, provide entrepreneurial support, and preserve property values. 

The EDC reviews tax incentive requests received by the administration and provides a recommendation to the Westland City Council for consideration at a public meeting of the Council.   It is the legislative body that administers the Tax Increment Finance and Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities.  Members of the EDC also make up and serve as the Board of Directors for the Tax Increment Finance Authority and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA)

The TIFA was established pursuant to PA 250 which allows for the establishment of a special tax district in which revenue resulting from increases in the assessed value of the area containing a new development is diverted from the various taxing jurisdictions and used for financing of public improvements to support future development in the district. The TIFA establishes a development plan and an associated financing plan in order to encourage economic development within the district.

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

Brownfield properties are those in which the redevelopment or reuse of the property may be complicated by the presence or perception of contamination. Revitalizing and redeveloping these properties protects the environment, reuses existing infrastructure, minimizes urban sprawl, and creates economic opportunities.

The Brownfield Program uses tax increment financing (TIF) to reimburse brownfield related costs incurred while redeveloping contaminated, functionally obsolete, blighted, or historic properties. The BRA meets following the submission of a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan. The Authority promotes and facilitates the revitalization, redevelopment, and reuse of obsolete properties.