TIF funds could soon pay for public arts in Fort Wayne

Under the program, approved in a preliminary 6-3 vote, developers who receive a tax increment financing incentive for a project must contribute, from their own pocket, 1 percent of the total incentive amount. For example, a developer with a $1 million project would be required to contribute $10,000 to the Public Art Fund.

A final vote is expected Tuesday. Preliminary votes rarely change on final reading.

Money generated by projects in a tax increment financing (TIF) district can be captured for use on other improvements within that district. The council can establish new TIF districts or close existing districts.

Businesses that contribute have the option to spend 50 percent of that contribution on public art located on their own properties. The other half would go into the Public Art Fund for use elsewhere in the city. Mandatory contributions are capped at $100,000.