Ballots Reflect Eminent Domain Backlash

3 October 2006 - 10:00am

After the Supreme Court's "Kelo" decisions, ballot referendums seek to restrict local governments' power.

"A few years ago eminent domain, or the government's right to take private property for public use, was hardly a hot button issue. But this fall it has become the most widespread topic on ballot initiatives across the country, in large part a reaction to a recent controversial Supreme Court decision...

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, since the Supreme Court ruling 30 state legislatures have passed laws or prepared ballot referendums to restrict the power of local governments. This fall, 13 states have ballot measures that would hamper the ability of local governments to seize property for economic development purposes."

Source: ABC News, September 28, 2006
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Sprawling patterns are often blamed, in large part, on the fact that new development is almost universally easier to undertake than redevelopment.