This guide is a systematic reference on local development finance. Part 1 covers special assessments — the special benefit requirement, apportionment methods and their vulnerabilities, and the statutory procedure. Part 2 covers impact fees, the exaction framework, and the nexus study that supports a fee program. Part 3 covers tax increment financing, its mechanics, and its recurring problems. Part 4 covers special district formation and the constitutional limits on property-weighted voting. Part 5 covers the takings and land use overlay. Part 6 covers challenges and defenses to each mechanism.