Question

What does David Brunori say about Financing Local Government in a changing world?

Answer 1

The only revenue source capable of supporting a robust and vibrant authorities is that the capital levy, argues David Brunori in Local Tax Policy: A Federalist Perspective, a replacement Urban Institute Press book. This tax must be strengthened and revitalized if local governments are to still play a very important role in American society and not be "weakened to the purpose of irrelevance."

"Increased demands by citizens for more, and better, public services; the ever-rising costs of providing services; and a plethora of legal and political restrictions on raising taxation have left many American local governments in dire fiscal straits," says Brunori, a journalist, educator, and lawyer who focuses on tax and government issues. "These revenue problems don't seem to be the results of economic downturn. Rather, the issues stem from structural deficiencies that pose a risk to raising revenue and meeting government service responsibilities far into the longer term."

In 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau counted quite 87,849 authorities units, including 3,034 counties, 19,431 municipalities, 16,506 townships, 13, 522 school districts, and 35,356 special districts. no matter type, these local governments require a particular amount of fiscal autonomy to hold out their responsibilities, and land tax is that the only source of revenue that gives that autonomy. But public and political pressure have eroded the tax's vitality for many years and there are not any viable alternatives to taxing property that may ensure fiscal and political autonomy.
Local Tax Policy: A Federalist Perspective examines America's local legal system, explores the origins of this fiscal crisis, and evaluates relief proposals. Brunori provides a blueprint for reforming capital levy policy, including educating the general public about the virtues of the capital levy, expanding the land tax base, and addressing school finance problems. it's a transparent and thoughtful analysis that may prove invaluable to legislators, public officials, and anyone fascinated by local issues.