The Department of Development focuses on all elements of community growth and quality of place. The Department of Development is the home of the city's strategic planning and economic development activities. There are three major categories within the department.

• First is economic development focusing on business attraction, retention, and expansion programs, including development incentives through the Economic Development Commission. The City partners with Greater Lafayette Commerce, Purdue Research Foundation, and Purdue University on economic development projects.
• Second is oversight of the City of West Lafayette’s five Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts. The funding captured by the TIF districts used on redevelopment and investment projects through the West Lafayette Redevelopment Commission.

• The final focus is community development. The Development Department administers the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This program addresses housing needs in the community and reduces the slum, blight, and homelessness of our most vulnerable citizens.

WL Strategic Plan Report 2010

The Department of Development is also staffed to several boards to provide technical assistance and guidance:

• CDBG Advisory Board
• Economic Development Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Human Relations Commission
• Joint Board
• Redevelopment Authority
• Redevelopment Commission 
• West Lafayette Public Arts Team

To learn more about these boards and commissions, please visit our Boards and Commissions page.