Opinion: Richmond, Virginia Needs a Land Value Tax

Switching from property tax to a land value tax could rein in sprawl, boost urban density, and lower the cost of housing.

2 minute read

December 27, 2021, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Virginia

f11photo / Shutterstock

Connor Scribner argues that a land value tax could slow sprawl and help reduce the number of miles driven by Americans, who drive more miles per capita than any other nation. Even with a shift to electric vehicles, Scribner writes, sprawl has other negative environmental impacts. "In fact, while a switch to electric vehicles may decrease carbon emissions, it would likely increase the emissions of non-exhaust pollution. In order to accomodate long-distance trips, EVs need large batteries that make them heavier than gas-powered vehicles, meaning wear on and the subsequent pollution from tires and brakes is made worse."

Sprawl also destroys natural habitats, disrupts animal migration, and reduces biodiversity. Paved surfaces intervene with natural drainage processes and radiate heat, while stormwater channeled into natural bodies of water carries toxic pollutants and runoff.

According to Scribner, part of the reason sprawl takes hold is the cost of construction in the denser urban core. In Richmond, property taxes on buildings sometimes discourage property owners from developing a lot. By taxing even undeveloped land, the city could remove this incentive to let land sit unimproved. A 2015 research study found that "a land value tax would help to decrease the price of housing and increase urban density."

Scribner argues that a land value tax would benefit all Richmond residents rather than keep benefits with landowners and encourage more development on underused lots.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 in Virginia Public Media

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 21, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Two Rivian trucks charging at Rivian branded charging ports.

US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate

The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.

45 minutes ago - CALmatters

Metal U.S. Geodetic Survey marker in stone in Arizona.

Trump Cuts Decimate Mapping Agency

The National Geodetic Survey maintains and updates critical spatial reference systems used extensively in both the public and private sectors.

1 hour ago - Wired

Close-up of 10 mph speed limit sign.

Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law

Cities will be allowed to lower speed limits to 10 miles per hour and prioritize pedestrians on certain streets.

2 hours ago - The Urbanist