# OCR / transcription — own eyes W03 S1522 2026-08-19
# CORRECTION vs EXTRACTION_BRIEF §1: these 15 files are photographed PAGES OF THE CITY OF HELENA
# Railroad URD TIF APPLICATION FORM (printed), NOT handwritten field-note pages.
# IMG_9967 does not exist in the folder (not a gap in this pass).
# Companion official text already in planning/diane-helena-warehouse/RURD_TIF_APPLICATION_FORM.txt
# This file is the photograph's content as read this window.

FILE: IMG_9953.jpg
KIND: printed City form, page 1
TITLE: City of Helena Railroad Urban Renewal District TAX INCREMENT FINANCING APPLICATION FORM
DEPT: Community Development Department
PHONE: (406) 447-8490
FAX: (406) 447-8460
EMAIL: citycommunitydevelopment@helenamt.gov
SEAL: CITY OF HELENA Est. 1881 (mining headframe)

KEY NOTICES (from the photographed page):
- Applicants can request up to a 50% match for projects aligned with the Railroad Urban Renewal District plan.
- Project costs cannot be incurred by the applicant before funding is approved and all conditions are met if they are to be paid with district funds.  ← TIF HARD RULE, on the form itself.
- City staff can return incomplete applications or those lacking documentation. A written application is mandatory for each project.

PROCEDURE STEPS:
1. Initial Contact — Community Development Department, 316 N. Park Avenue, Room 445, Helena, MT 59623 — discuss project eligibility.
2. Prepare a Written Application — address questions in a Project Narrative section.
3. Staff Review — merits and funding needs. Personal financial statements kept private.
4. Board Review and Approval — RURD TIF Advisory Board reviews and recommends to City Commission.
5. Development Agreement — legally binding contract between City and applicant.

CHECKLIST (empty boxes on this photo):
- Project Description
- Project Renderings (where applicable)
- Application Form (pages 4-6)
- Project Financing Worksheet (page 7)
- Project Narrative Section (page 9)