Bartlett Proposes New TIF District to Boost Safety, Infrastructure — and Save Quail Ridge Golf Course

Bartlett is exploring a new way to preserve its only golf course while tackling traffic safety and infrastructure needs. A proposed Public Safety and Greenspace Preservation Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District aims to reopen Quail Ridge Golf Course and reinvest in vital improvements across one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Investing in Safety and Green Space

The new TIF proposal targets two priorities at once — keeping public green space available to residents and addressing high-traffic areas that have long needed upgrades. The plan includes the city’s potential acquisition of Quail Ridge Golf Course at 4055 Altruria Road, ensuring the site remains a community asset rather than being converted to private development.

Mayor David Parsons said the city’s goal is to preserve Quail Ridge as a public amenity while using innovative financing tools to pay for broader improvements. The TIF model would allow Bartlett to invest in infrastructure and greenspace projects by redirecting a portion of future property tax revenue generated by new development — rather than drawing on existing city funds.

How the TIF Would Work

Under the proposal, TIF-generated funds could be used for new street lighting, improved traffic signals, and safer pedestrian infrastructure. The Mid-South Safety Action Plan identified multiple high-crash intersections along Stage Road and Kirby Whitten, which fall within the proposed project area. Bartlett officials believe this initiative could accelerate long-needed safety improvements along those corridors.

Alderman David Reaves said the TIF structure represents a financially responsible approach, combining private-sector reinvestment with public benefit. The estimated purchase price for the golf course aligns with funding the city would receive through the TIF, allowing the project to move forward with minimal financial risk. Once acquired, the city intends to contract with an operator to manage golf course operations.

Community and Economic Impact

The plan to bring Quail Ridge back to life goes beyond preserving a golf course. It’s part of a broader strategy to strengthen local infrastructure, enhance recreational amenities, and position Bartlett for sustainable growth. The city is also exploring ways to partner with Bartlett City Schools to use the site for educational and recreational programs — reinforcing the project’s community value.

The proposed TIF district would also include the Union Depot 1st Addition property near Summer Avenue and Stage Road. Its inclusion could help generate revenue for future public improvements and redevelopment efforts, creating a self-sustaining cycle of reinvestment.

What’s Next

The proposal will be reviewed in the coming weeks by the Industrial Development Board (IDB), the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and Shelby County government. If approved, the district could serve as a model for how suburban communities leverage TIF tools to support safety, recreation, and responsible economic development.

For residents near Quail Ridge, the plan represents more than a policy change — it’s the potential return of a community landmark and a signal that Bartlett is committed to balanced, forward-looking growth.

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