Cheriogotis proposes three new tax zones in Mobile

Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis has proposed the creation of three new Tax Increment Financing Districts within the city limits.

The mayor detailed the plan in his weekly newsletter, Good Evening Mobile, which went out on November 4. He explained that these districts allow the city to reinvest a portion of rising property tax revenue into local projects. This strategy aims to clear blight and improve infrastructure without raising the base tax rate. Cheriogotis noted that Downtown Mobile has used this tool since 1993, and a recent state law now permits the city to expand its use to other neighborhoods.

The three proposed zones cover specific geographic areas. One would run along the waterfront. A second would cover the I-65 corridor and Midtown. The third is centered in Tillman's Corner. Cheriogotis stated that these areas would benefit from targeted development and infrastructure rebuilding. He emphasized that the mechanism captures additional revenue from property value increases rather than imposing a new tax burden on residents.

The Mobile City Council will hold a public hearing in the coming weeks to discuss the proposals. Following that meeting, the city plans to coordinate with the Mobile County Commission and the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners. These groups will review the district plans to ensure they align with countywide goals. The mayor expects to begin working with these bodies once the council sets the hearing date.