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1. What does “TIF” mean?

“TIF” stands for Tax Increment Financing. It’s a public financing tool that allows cities to fund infrastructure projects by using future increases in property tax revenue – known as the “increment” – generated from new development within a defined area. The key benefit: No new taxes and no diversion of existing city services. Read more about TIFs here.

2. What is the City of Bartlett Public Safety and Greenspace Preservation TIF?

The City of Bartlett Public Safety and Greenspace Preservation TIF is a proposed, City-led initiative designed to improve public safety, modernize infrastructure, and preserve community greenspace. The proposal reinvests a portion of future tax revenue from new growth into local improvements without raising taxes or using existing city funds.

3. Who is leading this effort?

This plan is City-led and community-focused. Unlike previous proposals, the City of Bartlett is both the applicant and administrator of the TIF, ensuring full public oversight, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

4. Has this TIF been approved yet?

No. The proposal is currently under review and has not been approved. It must go through a four-step public approval process involving the Industrial Development Board (IDB), the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA), the Shelby County Committee, and the Shelby County Commission. Public input is welcome throughout the process.

5. Will this raise taxes or use existing City funds?

No. This proposal does not raise taxes and does not take money from existing City services.

Instead, it reinvests a portion of future property tax growth from new development into needed public improvements such as roads, intersections, and greenspace.

6. What areas would benefit from the TIF?

The TIF area focuses on the Stage Road corridor, where several high-crash intersections have been identified through the Mid-South Safety Action Plan. Improvements would include smart signal technology, better lighting, upgraded signage, and safer pedestrian crossings – reducing accidents, improving traffic flow, and protecting our drivers, students, and families.

7. How is Quail Ridge Golf Course connected to this plan?

Preserving Quail Ridge Golf Course as public greenspace is a key part of this initiative. Under the proposed plan, the City would receive $3 million upfront, funded through future TIF revenue generated by the Union Depot First Addition mixed-use development, to acquire the former Quail Ridge Golf Course property. The City would then issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a golf course management firm to restore and operate the course for public use.

8. Will Quail Ridge remain a golf course?

Yes. The City is leading efforts to preserve Quail Ridge as a public golf course and greenspace, with Bartlett City Schools acting as a key partner, ensuring it serves both recreation and education. As part of this initiative, Bartlett City Schools is currently exploring opportunities for student programs in areas such as turf management, sports marketing, and environmental studies.

The property would remain a golf course and public greenspace unless the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) formally votes to change its use in the future. This ensures local control and accountability over how the property is maintained and used.

9. There have been a lot of conversations about what’s best for this space. What changed that made you and your team see a path forward to preserve Quail Ridge and strengthen the community?

When Quail Ridge Golf Course closed, its future was uncertain. Early plans from the property owners explored private development options, which prompted strong feedback from residents who wanted to see the course preserved as community greenspace.

That public response opened the door for new conversations. The City had already been evaluating alternative solutions, including partnerships with experienced golf management firms to restore the course and finance improvements at no cost to the city.

At the same time, collaboration began with Bartlett City Schools to develop a shared vision that would preserve the property while also creating new educational and recreational opportunities for students and residents alike.

The proposed Public Safety and Greenspace Preservation TIF provides a responsible financial path forward – it would allow the City to protect green space, improve public safety, and strengthen community amenities without taking on new debt or using existing taxpayer dollars.

10. How did the partnership between the City and Bartlett City Schools come to life, and what made you realize this could be something more than just a golf course?

From the start, Bartlett City Schools saw Quail Ridge as an opportunity for learning, recreation, and community connection. Even before a clear path existed, both teams began discussing how the property could serve students and families in new ways. As the City developed the proposed TIF, those conversations grew into a partnership built on education, innovation, and community investment.

11. Is this connected to the previous Union Depot TIF?

This proposal builds upon earlier discussions surrounding the Union Depot area but is entirely City-led and newly structured. It shifts the focus from private development to public infrastructure, safety, and greenspace preservation, with stronger oversight and clear community benefit.

12. How can residents provide feedback or ask questions?

Residents can provide feedback during the Open Discussion period of the City of Bartlett's Industrial Development Board meeting on November 6 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Bartlett City Hall (6400 Stage Road). Citizens may also send their comments via email to the City Clerk, Penny Medlock, at pmedlock@cityofbartlett.org. 

 

All comments received before each meeting will be shared with the appropriate public boards for review and consideration. The City is committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process. The City of Bartlett meeting schedule is listed below:

 

Industrial Development Board (IDB): 

Date: November 6, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Bartlett City Hall (6400 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134)

 

Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA): 

Date: November 13, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Bartlett City Hall (6400 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134)

13. Where can I find official documents or meeting updates?

All official documents related to the proposal will be included in the agendas for the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA). Once those agendas are posted, they will be available through the links provided on this page. The City will also share updates and meeting information on its official social media channels.

14. What’s the goal?

The goal is safer streets, preserved greenspace, and a stronger community. This proposal allows the City of Bartlett to plan for the future responsibly, protecting what our residents value most while improving infrastructure and opportunity.

15. Is the City “buying” Quail Ridge Golf Course with developer funds?

Under the proposed framework, the City would receive $3 million upfront, funded through future TIF revenue – generated by growth within the designated plan area – to acquire the Quail Ridge property. This approach ensures the property remains publicly owned and prevents future residential development on the site.

16. Why is the City leading the TIF instead of the developer?

After hearing community feedback earlier this year, the City decided to take full control of the process to ensure greater transparency, fiscal oversight, and accountability. This means City officials would manage how funds are used, where improvements are made, and how community assets like Quail Ridge are preserved.

17. Does this TIF take money away from the City’s general fund?

No. The proposed TIF reinvests a portion of future tax revenue from new growth, not existing funds, into public infrastructure and safety projects within the designated area. The City’s current property tax base and funding for general services remain unchanged. This structure allows growth to pay for growth, supporting improvements like safer intersections and greenspace preservation without raising taxes.

18. Why not just pay for the golf course directly or issue a bond?

The proposed TIF model offers a fiscally conservative path that avoids new debt or drawing down reserves. Because the TIF uses future incremental revenue, the City can fund the golf course acquisition and safety improvements without affecting current operations or taxpayers.

This approach also keeps the City’s financial flexibility intact for other priorities while allowing the community to benefit from Quail Ridge’s preservation.

19. Would this proposed TIF give money directly to a developer?

Under the City’s proposed plan, developers may be reimbursed for eligible public infrastructure costs – such as roads, utilities, drainage, and safety improvements – but only after City review and approval. These reimbursements are limited to expenses that benefit the public and align with the City’s adopted TIF plan.

All TIF funds are administered under City oversight and used to support public projects within the plan area, including traffic safety upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and the preservation of Quail Ridge Golf Course as a community greenspace.

This structure ensures transparency, fiscal accountability, and that all investments contribute to community benefit.