During a recent Midland City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the jurisdictional transfer of road maintenance and the proposed updates to the downtown tax increment financing (TIF) plan.

City officials addressed the ongoing jurisdictional issues concerning North Saginaw Road, where the transfer of maintenance responsibilities from the Midland County Road Commission to the city has not yet occurred. This delay is attributed to the limited number of properties within the city limits along that stretch, with most properties being in the surrounding township. Consequently, any drainage and permitting work in that area remains under the purview of the county road commission.

The council then moved on to a pivotal resolution regarding the downtown development plan, which is undergoing its first comprehensive update since its inception in 1989. The new plan outlines public improvement projects and initiatives for downtown Midland over the next 20 years, with a focus on extending the TIF plan to 2044. This extension aims to capture incremental tax revenues generated by new developments, allowing for reinvestment into the downtown area without introducing new taxes.

Selena, a city representative, highlighted the extensive community engagement that informed the updated plan, including input sessions and surveys conducted throughout 2023. The feedback revealed three main themes: fostering business investment, enhancing public spaces, and continuing vibrant programming to connect businesses with customers.

The council discussed the financial implications of the TIF plan, with some members expressing concerns about the long-term freezing of tax revenues for the rest of the city. Suggestions were made to consider resetting the TIF base year to reflect current property values, rather than relying on figures from 1985 or 1989. However, city officials noted that the TIF structure is designed to support the revitalization of downtown, which has seen significant investment and development in recent years.

The meeting concluded with a motion to accept the resolution for the updated downtown development plan, setting the stage for a public hearing scheduled for July 22. This hearing will provide an opportunity for further community input before the final adoption of the plan, which aims to enhance the vibrancy and economic viability of downtown Midland over the next two decades.