City Activist; “We’re Not Stupid About TIFS”

A local community activist who supported the recent expansion of the Tax Increment Finance District into his near west side neighborhood says contrary to what some might say, his people weren’t being fooled into supporting it.

Pastor Richard Willoughby is the head of UNWA, the United Northwest Area Development Corporation which encompasses part of the city’s near northwest side. 

Willoughby and his friends supported expanding the downtown TIF saying they have been in touch with their elected officials about the project and are pleased that more community development is coming to the area.

He dismisses criticism from other community activists that they were not informed and are supporting a project that will take money from schools and local governments.

He says UNWA has been kept in the loop since day one and was fully on board when the Indianapolis City-County Council passed the measure earlier this month.

You can hear Willoughby’s comments below.  They run approximately 5 minutes.

Leon-Tailored Audio: Richard Willoughby, Board Chairman of UNWA Neighborhood Group