Many rural communities are facing challenges, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges, declining rural populations, and loss of working lands. This report from the International City/County Management Association focuses on smart growth strategies that can help guide growth in rural areas while protecting natural and working lands and preserving the rural character of existing communities. To download the report, click here.
Assessing the Theory and Practice of Land Value Taxation
At a time when local governments are increasingly strapped, the land value tax – taxing the value of land more than buildings – is an efficient source of revenue that avoids the negative effects that can accompany other taxes, such as local wage or income taxes, a new report from the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy states. According to the report, switching to a land value tax might result in a number of outcomes: lower house prices; more improvements per acre of land; higher population density; more employment and higher wages; and less sprawl.
USDA Program to Transition Land to Beginning Farmers
USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan has announced the Transition Incentives Program that encourages retired farmers to transition their land to beginning or disadvantaged farmers. "Ensuring that our nation's land is returned to production using sustainable methods is critical not only for our future food supply, but also for the economic future of our rural communities," said Merrigan. "Access to land is one of the greatest challenges faced by new farmers. The Transition Incentives Program is one more tool in the USDA toolkit to protect family farms and support beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers."
Boulder, CO, Considers Green Regulations for Rental Units
The Community Planning & Sustainability and Public Works departments are examining code changes needed to update the technical provisions of the Housing Code and Rental Housing Inspection and Licensing Program. Potential code requirements that would further community sustainability objectives, especially energy efficiency, are also to be examined. To read more, click here.
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