The Urban Revitalization Plan (tax abatement) is an integral part of local planning.  Tax abatement is an incentive used to encourage development in a particular area.  It is a financial incentive offered through reduced taxes on improvements made to existing or newly built structures, such as homes and businesses.  Iowa law allows cities and counties to offer tax abatement.  The governing bodies determine which types of development (residential, commercial, industrial) will be offered incentives under the program.  They also decide the term of incentive offered (3, 5, or 10-year abatement schedule).  In order to initiate a valid tax abatement program, the city or county must adhere to Iowa Code Chapter 404.

For more information please see our Tax Abatement brochure

last updated January, 2006