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ability to use TIF for redevelopment in the core cities. In addition, the state has become closely involved in economic development and redevelopment throughout the state of Minnesota. State legislation now dictates what the economic development public policy should be for all local governments. The legislature needs to take a step back and allow cities to identify their own economic development needs. Each city has its own unique characteristics, and local officials are in the best position to know what their residents' value regarding quality of life, availability of jobs, and overall community development. Tax increment financing needs to be returned to its original intent of allowing central cities and inner-ring suburbs to eliminate blighted areas and revitalize older, deteriorating neighborhoods. Controversy has arisen because the use of TIF has expanded beyond its original intent. Suburban communities are using TIF to attract development to cornfields. Local suburbs have used TIF to pull jobs to the fringe of the metro region. This contradicts the smart growth development strategies at the regional level as directed by the Metropolitan Council. A metropolitan area needs to have a good plan for dealing with development and controlling urban sprawl. We cannot continue to expand the metro area without impacting the ability of our current infrastructure to deal with this growth. Public policy and legislation cannot continue to facilitate and promote urban sprawl. Infrastructure costs for rural and undeveloped areas are already high enough to seriously impact our state's budget and financial viability. In contrast, investment in the central cities, which already have a fully-developed infrastructure, leverages tax dollars for the maximum benefit of the whole region. Conclusion The future of economic development in Minnesota is dependent on what happens to tax increment financing. TIF is a successful tool for central cities and inner-ring suburbs to 24