This week, we were invited to a meeting with the Calle Dos Cinco Business Alliance — a space where people are doing real work to preserve, protect, and invest in Oklahoma City’s historic Capitol Hill.
One topic that came up again (and often shows up in development conversations) was TIF — short for Tax Increment Financing.
We weren’t able to attend in person, but we wanted to take a moment to break this down for ourselves and our neighbors. Because if development is happening in our communities, we deserve to understand how it’s funded — and who it benefits.
🏙️ So… What Is a TIF?
TIF = Tax Increment Financing
It’s a public financing tool cities use to encourage development in a specific area.
Here’s how it works:
1. The city draws a line around a TIF district — usually a place they want to revitalize.
2. As property values go up and taxes increase in that area, the “extra” tax revenue (the increment) is set aside.
3. That money is then used to fund improvements within that same area — like fixing streets, updating infrastructure, or incentivizing local development.
⚖️ What’s Good About TIFs?
Helps improve under-invested neighborhoods
Encourages public-private partnerships
Keeps reinvestment local — the tax money generated stays in that area
Can be used for housing, small business incentives, and public amenities
🚧 What’s the Catch?
TIF money often goes to large developers unless community advocates speak up
Without oversight, it can lead to gentrification or displacement
Residents and small businesses may not even know they’re in a TIF district — or how to access the benefits
Equity isn’t guaranteed unless it’s baked into the plan
📍 Capitol Hill + Calle Dos Cinco
This historic area is rich with culture, heritage, and local talent — but it’s also vulnerable to the wrong kind of development.
TIF funding could support:
Façade improvements for historic buildings
Grants for local businesses
Cultural preservation efforts
Affordable housing and public infrastructure
But only if the community is part of the conversation.
“You can’t shape what you don’t understand.”
We’re working to educate ourselves — and support those already doing the work. If you’re in or near Capitol Hill, consider joining the next Calle Dos Cinco Business Alliance meeting and learning how you can lend your voice.
Let’s make sure development honors the people, not just the property lines.
Want to get involved or learn more?
We’ll be listing upcoming public meetings, grant opportunities, and community projects soon at:
👉 http://www.myrealoklahoma.com
#MYRealOklahoma #CapitolHillOKC #CalleDosCinco #TIFexplained #DevelopmentWithDignity #405Community
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