Announcements

A Positive Step Forward for Our Community

The creation of the Imlay City Neighborhood Improvement Authority (NIA) under Michigan’s Act 57 of 2018 is an exciting opportunity to invest in our city’s future. This NIA will encompass the entirety of Imlay City, excluding the existing Downtown Authority (DA) district, which already operates its own tax capture district. By harnessing the power of tax increment financing (TIF), the NIA will fund essential improvements aligned with our city’s Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, Asset Management Plans, and Parks Plan—without raising taxes. It’s a smart, community-driven tool to enhance infrastructure, promote growth, and ensure long-term sustainability for all residents.
Below is a Q&A fact sheet addressing common questions. We’re thrilled about this initiative and encourage you to join us in supporting it at the public hearing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the formation of this NIA increase my taxes?

No, it will not increase taxes. The NIA uses tax increment financing (TIF), which captures only the increments—the growth in property tax revenue above the base level established at the time of formation. Your base tax rate remains unchanged, and any captured funds are reinvested directly into city-wide improvements that benefit everyone. This is a proven mechanism to fund progress without burdening current taxpayers.

Is the NIA essentially another name for a Homeowners Association (HOA)?

No, NIA does not create rules and regulations. An HOA is a private entity focused on residential governance, often with membership fees and rules for individual properties. In contrast, the NIA is a public tax capture entity—a powerful financial tool authorized by state law. It empowers the City of Imlay City to execute on our shared vision, including the Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, Asset Management Plans, and Parks Plan. Think of it as a collaborative investment vehicle for community-wide enhancements, not a private club, and not a group that can make policy.

Why does the plan include carve-outs specifically for an electric utility?

This is a forward-thinking provision to safeguard our residents’ access to reliable power. The City of Imlay City already holds the legal authority to pursue the strategies outlined in the plan. These carve-outs create a flexible financial mechanism, allowing us to partner with local utility providers if needed to leverage our assets for consistent, dependable electricity. While forming a municipal electric utility is highly unlikely, this tool ensures we have options to protect and improve service quality for our community—prioritizing affordability and reliability above all.

How come there was no public involvement in creating this NIA?

This simply isn’t true—public involvement has been robust and ongoing! Over the past year and a half, the city has actively engaged residents in developing our new Master Plan through workshops, surveys, town halls, and feedback sessions. The NIA builds directly on that foundation, serving as the financial engine to turn community priorities into reality. Your input has shaped our vision, and this authority will deliver on those shared goals. We value your voice and invite even more participation at the hearing.

The NIA was also discussed at the joint City Commission, Planning Commission, and Downtown Development Authority meeting, and an additional public hearing for the NIA on April 9, 2025.

 

Financial Fact: Did you know the city faces over $15 million in infrastructure needs over the next 5-7 years?

Absolutely, and the NIA is our game-changer! To maintain essential services like utilities, water, sewer, and treatment facilities, we’ll need to invest approximately $15 million in the coming years. The NIA is a phenomenal tool to unlock grants, low-interest bonds, and other funding streams—making these critical upgrades feasible without tax hikes. It’s about proactive stewardship: preserving what we have today while building a brighter tomorrow for Imlay City families.

 

Why We’re Endorsing the NIA

 

• Boosts Property Values & Quality of Life: Targeted investments in parks, roads, and utilities will make our neighborhoods more vibrant and resilient.
• Aligns with Community Vision: Directly supports the Master Plan you helped create—focusing on sustainable growth for all of Imlay City.
• No Risk, High Reward: Tax-neutral funding means more bang for our collective buck, with safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Proven Success: Similar NIAs across Michigan have transformed communities—now it’s our turn!