Jeffery R. Levine asks if, given the reliance on property taxes, the planning process is truly revenue-blind.
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."
FULL STORY: Do They Pay Their Own Way?
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley
The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
How Urban Form Impacts Housing Affordability
The way we design cities affects housing costs differently than you might think.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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