Lincoln council approves participation in statewide SCIP financing for community facilities districts

The Lincoln City Council on Jan. 23 adopted an amended and restated resolution confirming the city's participation in the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program (SCIP), allowing developments that form Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) to use SCIP financing.

Finance Director Nita Racker told the council the changes align SCIP with other development financing tools the city has used since 2017 and will allow developers participating in a CFD to draw down funds earlier by bonding against projected CFD revenues. Council members asked for clarification that developers, not the city, decide whether to use a CFD; Racker and staff confirmed that the city approves financing as part of a collaborative review that includes bond counsel and financial advisors.

The public hearing included questions from residents about how CFDs affect buyer costs versus rolling infrastructure costs into sale price or mortgage; staff said CFD charges are disclosed in the property tax method and developers routinely analyze buyer affordability. A council member added that while CFD/Mello‑Roos assessments raise tax bills, the purchase price and per‑square‑foot comparisons often balance once assessments are included.

Councilmember S9 moved to approve item 10a and the motion was seconded; roll call votes recorded approval by all voting members. The resolution will enable qualifying developments to use SCIP in conjunction with other financing tools subject to city review and standard disclosure to prospective homebuyers.

The council's action does not itself form any CFD or obligate homeowners; those are developer decisions that come back to the city for required findings and approvals.