ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- The City of St. Joseph has invited the public to a meeting on Wednesday to learn more about Tax Increment Financing ahead of the city's Oct. 27 Commission Meeting.

City officials say TIFs will be brought up in conversations regarding the discussions surrounding the Downtown Development Authority and upcoming development opportunities.

Officials say they want community members to walk away with a clearer understanding of TIF programs.

The city will host the TIF Open House on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at City Hall.

“Naturally, when you hear the word ‘tax’ in a government program, you want to have oversight and ask plenty of questions,” said Kelly Ewalt, Director of Development for the City of St. Joseph.

City officials say TIFs are a way to help fund improvements in the downtown district.

According to the city, the program sets a baseline tax rate, and the TIF takes the difference between the new property values and the old and captures that in a fund earmarked for a specific area.

City officials say when improvements are made in that area, money can be taken from the TIF fund, instead of the general fund which supports citywide services and infrastructure.

The open house will serve as a Q&A session rather than a public hearing or meeting of elected officials.

There will be a brief presentation from the City at Cornerstone Alliance, informative slides, public input on potential use for TIF funds, and an invitation to dialogue and answer questions.