What Idaho has, Washington wants

It is the subject of controversy in Idaho, but is the envy of neighboring Washington.

It is tax increment financing, the stuff urban renewal districts are made of.

"I wish we had it," said Cary Bozeman, chief executive officer of the Port of Bremerton. "Border states have it."

Bozeman addressed about 400 in the real estate industry as the keynote speaker at the 2010 Real Estate Market Forum Feb. 25 at the Spokane Convention Center. He explained how that city of 50,000, slightly larger than Coeur d’Alene with 45,000, renovated its downtown over five years with public-private partnerships.

While the Navy port may seem to have little in common with the Lake City, there are several similarities other than population.

By RICK THOMAS

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