On this episode of The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Harry Burkholder, executive director of the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, for an in-depth look at one of the most consequential questions facing Traverse City voters this November: the future of downtown’s TIF 97 funding plan.

The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport – Your Northern Michigan Connection.

With voters set to decide on the proposed Infrastructure First plan, Harry breaks down how Tax Increment Financing works, how it helped transform downtown Traverse City over the past 30 years, and what would change under the proposed 20-year extension.

The conversation tackles the biggest questions surrounding the proposal, including competing estimates of its financial impact, concerns about funding for other public services, the controversy over heated sidewalks and parking decks, and what happens if voters reject the extension. Harry also addresses some common misconceptions about TIF funding and explains how the revised proposal would share revenue with other taxing entities.

Whether you’re leaning yes, leaning no, or still trying to make sense of it all, this episode offers a closer look at the history, financial realities, and competing priorities behind a decision that could shape downtown Traverse City for decades to come.