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Economic development director outlines TIF-funded projects, small-business grants and Brownfields work

2895136 · April 7, 2025

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Summary

Director Tracy Desjardins reported $7.775 million in TIF revenue for the year, nearly $2 million in capital projects funded from TIFs, active revolving‑loan program activity, downtown façade and small‑business grants and Brownfields site assessment work with EPA funding.

Tracy Desjardins, Director of Economic Development, briefed the council April 7 on fiscal programs funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, grant programs and business outreach.

Desjardins said the city collected about $7,775,000 in TIF revenues in the past year and used roughly $1,986,000 of TIF funds for capital projects. She reported 27 new business registrations, seven ribbon cuttings and active revolving‑loan program activity (23 active loans totaling more than $460,000 distributed to date). The department administers facade grants, small business grants and recently closed a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant to support a local company’s equipment purchase and a planned 20 new jobs.

Why it matters: Desjardins emphasized that TIF funds do not come from taxpayers’ general revenues and can be used to fund infrastructure and other economic development projects that support private development. She said the city has up to 2027 to spend certain Brownfields funds and that the department will notify council before asking for approval on redevelopment plans. "A TIF is basically a tool for an economic development," Desjardins said.

Desjardins described outreach to the business community and partners, including a bankers' session to link business owners with financing options, and work to connect employers with new‑comer job candidates through Catholic Charities liaison efforts. She said the Arts Commission is pursuing public art projects and wayfinding sign installation is expected soon. She also described the Saco Island multimodal bridge preliminary and final design work in coalition with Biddeford.

Ending: Desjardins said the department will continue to promote grant and loan programs, bring the Route 1 (Portland Road) master plan and a citywide housing plan through public engagement, and return to council with program details and any TIF guideline updates as needed.