May 20, 2026 5:30p
(WGTD)---The Racine City Council Tuesday night approved a series of proposals involving tax incremental financing districts over the objections of a frequent city hall critic who contends the actions lock in unnecessary property tax increases.
Alder Sandy Weidner focused her criticism on two new districts, including one that covers the Lake Michigan site where the downtown YMCA once stood. "Why does a cleared lakefront property in Racine need $21 million in public incentives to attract a developer?" she asked. "Prime lakefront real estate should attract developers with their own money. That is what the market is for."
City officials said marketing the site to developers--some of whom might be interested in building high-rise apartments or condos-- would be easier with a TID already in place.
The second new TID that was approved Tuesday night would generate nearly $11 million for an area surrounding the soon-to-open King Community Center and Clinic. City Finance Director Kathleen Fischer said the money is needed to complement the construction of several-dozen new town homes in the area by financing new streets and sidewalks where needed and funding repairs for existing homes in the neighborhood.
Weidner contends that other financing mechanisms should be used. The new townhomes and the community center are being financed in part with $35 million in state grants.
TIDs earmark tax revenue from increased valuations within a neighborhood to fund redevelopment projects and home repairs rather than allowing the money to help fund general city operations.
Also Tuesday night, the council voted to end several TIDS in part to free up space under state statutes to make possible the new TIDS.
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