Eminent Domain 101

REIS offers a primer on eminent domain and introduces the landmark Supreme Court case, "Kelo versus the City of New London."

1 minute read

April 6, 2005, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Today, the most commonly recognized examples of eminent domain include assemblages of land to be used for schools, parks, highways, municipal facilities, etc. Lately, as expanded upon below, there have been an increasing number of examples where the lines have become blurred between the public and private sectors.

...More recently, the concept of eminent domain appears to have been expanded to encompass a far larger scope. In 1984, the United States Supreme Court ruled that eminent domain can be used for 'any project rationally related to a conceivable public purpose.' "

Thanks to REISCast

Tuesday, April 5, 2005 in REIS

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

People sit on wooden benches on a bus in Miami

New tax cuts may slash $1.5 billion in funding for Miami transit, public parks

Amendment 3 will save Miami-Dade residents homeowners $2,700 in 2028.

30 minutes ago - Miami New Times

Two men install solar panels on the roof of a house.

Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania hope to finally advance climate goals post-midterms

The three states have spent years under Republican or divided control.

1 hour ago - Grist

A close up of an American flag in front of the Capitol building.

Democrats’ victory may threaten act to expedite energy projects

Democrats may decide to vote against the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, and negotiate a more favorable bill once the 120th Congress begins.

2 hours ago - Inside Climate News

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.