Tax increment financing has created 15 miles of sidewalks in Missoula, 10 miles of streets and brought a number of new businesses to the city, making it a valuable tool for completing public infrastructure and boosting economic development.

But nuances of the program, including the language that authorizes it under state law – along with the appointed board that oversees the allocation of funds in Missoula – continues to rankle opponents.

City Club Missoula took on the hefty and often misunderstood topic of tax increment financing on Monday, pitting Missoula Mayor John Engen, who supports the program, against real estate developer Adam Hertz, who remains one the program’s outspoken critics.

By Martin Kidston

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City Club Missoula Forum Video

Missoula mayor, former lawmaker debate TIF