Just When You Thought It Was Safe Here Comes Another Debate Over Tifs

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• The Loop and surrounding areas get most of the investment from the tax increment financing program, according to city data.

In case you were distracted Tuesday by that other debate—you know, the one between Rahm Emanuel and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia over who’s best equipped to be mayor—you might have missed the latest showdown over the city’s tax increment financing program.

TIFs have become a hot issue in the mayoral race as both Emanuel and Garcia promise to dip into the funds to pay for a range of city expenses.

I respectfully disagree. Call the area “downtown” or don’t. Call it “Gregland” if you like. The fact remains: 48 percent of the TIF money is going to 5 percent of Chicago.

Here’s what he doesn’t say: that area accounts for around 9 square miles out of the 237 square miles that make up the city.

Yes, of course. Who doesn’t want investments in train stations, schools, roads, and bridges in the heart of the city?