With the decline of the fossil fuel industry and the economic effects of COVID-19 further gutting the state, Wyoming and some of its small cities are facing dire fiscal consequences.
"Faced with COVID-19 and the collapse of Wyoming’s coal industry, Republican Gov. Mark Gordon said [in July] that the state might have to start abandoning small towns because there’s not enough money to maintain their sewers and streets," writes Nate Martin.
As reported in October, the city of Sundance is considering budget cuts that would defund the police—solely because the city lacks the money to pay for them.
Martin, columnist for the Casper Star-Tribune, writes this month writing to criticize one key component of the state's fiscal policy: its lack of a state income tax, and its low tax rate overall.
"Wyoming is one of nine states without an income tax. Places like Texas and Florida that lack income tax tend to have ultra-high property and sales tax rates instead. Alaska does not, only because it’s likewise dependent on mineral taxes," according to Martin.
"Along with having no personal or corporate state income tax, Wyoming also has the third lowest property tax rate in the nation and the sixth lowest sales tax rate. All of this may make residents feel special, but it means everyone depends on fossil fuels to stay healthy."
FULL STORY: Wyoming needs to bite the bullet
Power Plants: A Win for the EPA
New rules from the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants survived an attempt by 25 Republican-led states to block their implementation while their case is litigated.
How Tech Helps Cities Serve Residents More Effectively
Explore tech solutions enhancing urban service delivery, fostering better citizen engagement and efficiency in municipal operations.
As Remote Work Persists, Ohio Cities Brace for Tax Revenue Losses
Cities like Dayton expect to see a reduction in income tax revenue as more remote workers begin paying taxes to their home jurisdictions.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions