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C. Development Project Review Services • Businesses considering Mounds View as an expansion or relocation are encouraged to contact staff at the Mounds View City Hall for various services, including construction and building services, licenses, and zoning reviews. The Community Development staff evaluates developer proposals and reviews project plans that are presented by businesses and/or architectural/engineering firms. As such, staff does consider setbacks, permits, and rezoning that may facilitate projects. D. Business Finance Loans & Grants The City of Mounds View has several financial assistance programs for businesses, both for existing businesses desiring to expand and for businesses new to the City. 1) Tax Increment Financing (TIF) TIF is considered the premier tool for economic development in Minnesota. Since 1986 the biggest single development tool in the City of Mounds View's Toolbox has been the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIF, in brief, is the ability to capture and use all increased local property tax revenues from new development within a defined geographic area. TIF payments to developers can be used for eligible uses, such as land acquisition, demolition, utilities, parking, relocation, administration, etc. There are different types of TIF districts, including • redevelopment, economic development, housing, and soils condition districts. Mounds View currently has four tax increment financing districts—three redevelopment districts and one economic development district. 2) Tax Rebate Financing (TRF) In 2000 the City of Mounds View adopted policies pertaining to Tax Rebate Financing (also known as Tax Abatement). An abatement is a property tax repayment rather than an exemption from paying property taxes. It is a method to finance up-front costs and provide additional equity to a development or to finance a public improvement. For eligible redevelopment and development projects, all or a portion of City real estate taxes can be rebated for up to 15 or 20 years. Ramsey County and the Mounds View School District can also rebate all or a portion of their share of real estate taxes. 3) Business Improvement Partnership Program The City's Economic Development Authority has a vested interest in helping Mounds View businesses thrive and prosper while improving the aesthetics of the commercial, industrial, and retail sectors of the community. Accordingly, the Mounds View Business Improvement Partnership Program has been established to partner with local businesses by providing 2% interest loans for exterior and interior building improvements. • Who can apply: Any business owner with a facility or property located in Mounds View.