M
ayor Brandon Johnson is proposing a 12-year extension of the Central West tax-increment financing district, which could redirect millions towards critical infrastructure projects on the West Side. The plan would also carve out the booming West Loop from the district, allowing property tax growth to return to Cook County taxing bodies like Chicago Public Schools. This move could generate $45.3 million in revenue this year for the TIF district.

    The proposed extension includes a one-year initial period followed by a longer renewal with redrawn boundaries. The 463-acre district would exclude parts of the high-value West Loop, allowing funds from retained areas to support projects farther west. A new Pink Line CTA station near the United Center is among the proposed projects, which could improve access to the $7 billion mixed-use community around the arena.

    Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., who represents much of the West Side, supports the extension and its focus on retaining Skinner Park in the district. The TIF district's spending plan includes $2 million for designing a new field house at Skinner Park. City officials aim to target areas with the greatest need while reducing reliance on TIF districts for broader economic goals.