by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville is moving closer to creating its ninth tax increment financing district, known as TIF 9, with plans to support about $220 million in infrastructure improvements across downtown.
The largest project would be a $200 million expansion of the Von Braun Center’s North Hall, including new exhibit space, food service areas, meeting rooms, upgraded parking, new South Hall entrances, exterior concourse improvements, and a new access bridge.
City leaders say the investment is needed to help Huntsville remain competitive for major conferences and events. The Von Braun Center regularly hosts large gatherings, including the Space and Missile Defense Symposium, which brings visitors, business activity, and national attention to the city.
Shane Davis, Huntsville’s director of economic and urban development, told the City Council that demand for conferences has grown and that the city must prepare as other cities upgrade their civic centers.
TIF 9 would cover nearly 3,700 acres downtown. In addition to the VBC work, the plan includes four other projects, each estimated at about $5 million: a North Huntsville Beltline Greenway, a new Mill Creek Park, improvements to Lowe Avenue, and renovations to the former federal courthouse.
A TIF district does not raise tax rates. Instead, it uses new property tax revenue generated by rising property values and development to repay money borrowed for public improvements.
The City Council is expected to consider the final plan on May 28. The Madison County Commission must also approve it before the district can move forward.