Is Planning All About Tax Revenue?

Jeffery R. Levine asks if, given the reliance on property taxes, the planning process is truly revenue-blind.

1 minute read

September 26, 2011, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Levine writes, "Are we supposed to be, as many state laws say, blind to the issue? Or is revenue another public good that should sway us in reviewing a project?"

Which state you are in makes a big difference in the impact of tax revenue on decisions, he concludes:

"Every state has its own laws that govern how municipalities can raise revenue. Some, like New Hampshire, are highly dependent on property tax revenue. While this sometimes drives communities to support development at any cost, it can also mean that communities need to weigh these decisions carefully."

Thursday, September 15, 2011 in Planning Commissioners Journal

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