Imlay City, a quiet and charming small town, built on the values of country living. Composed of individuals from all walks of life, our community cherishes the simplicity and tranquility that comes with it. However, the proposed Neighborhood Improvement Authority (NIA) Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan threaten to alter our small town forever.

The introduction of this plan will not only redefine the values we hold dear in Imlay City but also fundamentally change the character of the town we call home. It's important to understand the implications that such development plans bring; most notably, the indirect increase in taxes. These increases will place additional burdens on the majority of our community, who are hardworking blue-collar and manufacturing families. As budgets are already stretched thin, further financial pressure could make it increasingly difficult for many households to make ends meet.

Moreover, NIAs (Neighborhood Improvement Authority) tend to prioritize their funding mechanisms over essential public services such as schools and road maintenance. The city board claims the school and library mileage taxes won't be redirected to fund these projects. However, the road funding, emergency services, and other city mileages tend to be absorbed by NIAs. The absorption of tax revenue by NIAs will lower the financial resources necessary to support these critical sectors. Our public schools and infrastructure are not mere budget items to slash; they are investments for the future and the lifelines for our community's prosperity and well-being. Currently, Imlay City has a DDA (Downtown Development Authority) sector of the community who pays higher property taxes on the "captured" value of their property. Almost ten years later and downtown is still run down, has empty store fronts and little attraction for citizens. The city board needs to focus on rebuilding and maintaining downtown first. Not planning a 30 year, $120,000,000 project to "better the community".

It's crucial that we, as a community, stand united against changes that don't fit our community needs. This is Imlay City, this is the working class, the taxed and tired. There are more important ways families and this community could be spending their incomes. Let's stop the city board from robbing the current and future homeowners pockets by saying NO to the NIA.

Help us protect the small town values and the future of Imlay City by opposing this plan. Please sign this petition and PLEASE show up to the board meeting Tuesday Nov. 4, 2025 at 7pm. Location: City Commission Chamber at 150 N. Main Street, Imlay City. By just showing up, it shows our city board that the people they represent don't want this type of change and nonsense in their community.