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REGULAR MEETING May 28, 2019
<br /> on what TIF is and how it can be used. We have done some work with some community
<br /> organizations such as the Community Forum for Economic Justice. They held a forum several
<br /> months back on TIF to explain what it is. We actually invited some people from the
<br /> Redevelopment Commission and some local economists to speak with regular folks. It was held
<br /> at the Main Branch Library. Again, we have to do a better job of letting people know when these
<br /> opportunities are happening so that more people can get engaged in the discussion. It is exciting
<br /> tonight, for me, to see so many people wanting to know more and challenging your elected
<br /> officials,because that is what you need to do at every moment. It is also on us to make sure we are
<br /> engaging the people we represent. I know I've seen each and every one (1) of these folks
<br /> advocating for their neighborhood and I see that is coming up in this legislation.The work we have
<br /> all asked to see is happening, and maybe we aren't sharing that well enough with the people in the
<br /> community. We need to do more of that. I look forward to doing more of that in the future.
<br /> Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston continued,Finally,about schools,this is a piece we need
<br /> to talk about because one (1) of the things revealed in that meeting we had about TIF is that TIF
<br /> can be used in a lot of different ways. That was one(1) of the things we were challenging the City
<br /> on. We were asking why we are doing this, and it hurts schools. If you know anything about me,
<br /> you know that is a really important thing to me. We need to make sure we are doing everything
<br /> we can to support the schools. One(1)thing that we learned was,we could expire the TIF Districts,
<br /> but the way schools are funded, that might not be our best option because when those tax dollars
<br /> go downstate, the State makes the determination and they might not necessarily support public
<br /> schools. So, it is important for us to understand that it might actually be better for us to have that
<br /> money in the TIF District so that we have local control over those dollars and how they are spent.
<br /> What that means is,you all have to be able to come to those Redevelopment Commission meetings
<br /> and keep the pressure on elected officials and those making those decisions in order to use that
<br /> money for the schools in a way that we want. Finally, we learned about a thing called the
<br /> Residential TIF. That has been used. Somebody asked about applying for that. If we want to look
<br /> at a Residential TIF, the pros and cons, that is a discussion we can have but we need more
<br /> education, not just for the residents,but also the Council, on what we can do to move forward on
<br /> that. So, Councilmember Broden's point about getting those meetings to a time where people can
<br /> come, we've been talking about that for a long time, that will help us all engage in a way that we
<br /> can bring about the best use of these dollars and make sure that everybody is included on these
<br /> decisions. So, again, thank you. I think we've done a lot of really great work, and I want to honor
<br /> that, and I also want to make sure that we do echo the sentiments of those that came forth. Yes,we
<br /> will continue to engage and yes,we will make sure we make time and are available to not just hear
<br /> your input, but your input has impact on decisions moving forward.
<br /> Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, I agree with everything my colleagues have said. I also
<br /> appreciate you looking at the Third (3`d) District because it has increased our TIF in our
<br /> neighborhood. Specifically, I know one (1) of our parks is being renovated and will be opening
<br /> this summer. So, that is a great use of TIF. The engagement we've had with the Miami
<br /> Neighborhood Association and SOAR has been great, as well as River Park. I appreciate all the
<br /> input and insight we have had. The Miami Corridor definitely needs an uplift to get businesses
<br /> back up in that district. So, I just want to say thank you for taking our thoughts and suggestions
<br /> into consideration.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M.Broden stated,Very quickly,statutorily we don't want to get into anybody's
<br /> lane, right? In terms of the decisions that are made. We have our representation on the
<br /> Redevelopment Commission as two (2) members. It's a five (5) member body. We are
<br /> outnumbered,ok? But,it's not about being outnumbered. It's about collaboration and about input.
<br /> People want to be a part of these decisions. People want to understand the process. People want to
<br /> shape their own community. Sitting at a meeting matters. Even if your mouth is shut the entire
<br /> time, sitting at a meeting matters. It matters to you and that's important. I value that. It matters to
<br /> me, even it you sit there and your mouth is shut, it matters. It matters even more, in some regard,
<br /> if you get up and talk because what comes out of your mouth makes us all better. It challenges our
<br /> ideas. It makes us be on our toes, ok? So, a change in time is all I'm asking for. I would be happy
<br /> to put that in a resolution. 5:30 p.m. would be a dream. That is when most of us hold our meetings
<br /> in the community. When Public Works goes into the community, when South Bend Police goes
<br /> into the community, when any neighborhood group meets in this community of ours, they are
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