Dunkirk Council Unanimously Approves 250-Acre TIF District

From the Dunkirk City Council meeting on April 27, 2026

Dunkirk City Council voted unanimously Monday to create a tax increment financing district covering nearly 250 acres of the city, clearing a major hurdle in the city's economic development plans.

A tax increment financing (TIF) district allows a city to capture future increases in property tax revenue within a designated area and reinvest that money in improvements to the district itself. Council members Jesse Bivens, Christy Curts, Dan Watson, Donna Revolt, and Randy Murphy all voted in favor.

The TIF district includes the Main Street corridor, the area planned for new housing south and east of Dollar General at 1001 S. Main St., the former Westlawn Elementary School, the former Indiana Glass property, most of Railroad Street, and the industrial park on the east side of the city.

Consultant Ed Curtin of CWC Latitudes told the council that the plans had already been approved by the Redevelopment Commission and Plan Commission. The plans now return to the Redevelopment Commission for final approval — the fourth and last step in the creation process.

The economic development plan lists potential projects including street and sidewalk improvements, utility upgrades, park improvements, redevelopment of tax sale properties and former industrial sites, and support for new commercial and industrial development.

Source: City of Dunkirk - City Council Meeting - April 27, 2026