Our view: Board should give its blessing to Grand Forks' proposed TIF projects A contingent of city leaders this week outlined the development projects and their hoped-for TIFs to the Grand Forks School Board. The city, the School Board and the County Commission all must approve the TIFs before the projects can move forward. We urge all boards to give their blessing. Written By: Herald editorial board | 6:00 am, Jan. 16, 2021 × Here’s a scenario to explain tax increment financing: A sunny patio on a hot summer day. A big, sturdy shade tree would be nice, but first it must be planted. That will take some effort – digging the hole, buying the sapling, planting it, watering it and so forth.