Opinion: Richmond, Virginia Needs a Land Value Tax

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.