Analysis shows raising Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) population limits for small-population counties would have increased total payments by $2 million in 2019.
Archives for 2019
Using Economics to Support Climate Adaptation
Economic methods and data can engage diverse audiences and tell new stories to help cities make a case for climate adaptation.
Newsletter: November 2019
Our latest newsletter contains research on state trust lands in transition, state outdoor recreation economies, wildfire-resistant homes, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter.
State Trust Lands Part 1: The Trust Model
States were granted trust lands by the U.S. Congress to generate revenue to fund public institutions, primarily public schools.
State Trust Lands Part 2: Permanent Funds
Overspending of state trust permanent funds reduces future school funding and incentivizes sales of trust land and nonrenewable resources.
State Trust Lands Part 3: New Demands
Changing economies, new land uses, shifting social values, and political pressure create challenges for state trust land managers.
State Trust Lands Part 4: Implications for Federal Land Transfer
Advocates of transferring federal land to states point to the superior ability of state trust lands to generate revenue, but our analysis finds significant economic and fiscal disadvantages.
Building for Wildfire Summit: Understanding How Homes Burn
Video and highlights from an event that brought together diverse community leaders to explore practices for building fire-adapted communities.
Newsletter: September 2019
Our latest newsletter contains research on transit equity analysis for Denver, CO, funding needs for Montana’s outdoors, a custom socioeconomic tool for the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter.
Solutions for Transitioning Coal-Dependent Communities
The most effective fiscal policies for communities facing transition away from coal dependency are those that build wealth over time and strengthen community capacity.
The Value of Montana’s Outdoors
Montana’s outdoors attracts people and talent, creating jobs and a high quality of life. The outdoors is essential to the state’s future economic growth.
Denver Transit Equity Analysis
Identify where potential bus rapid transit corridors in the Denver, Colorado Metro Area are most likely to enhance mobility and equity.
Funding Needs for Montana’s Outdoor Heritage
Funding for Montana’s working lands, wildlife, and outdoor recreation is not keeping pace as population, visitation, and development pressures expand.
Newsletter: July 2019
Our latest newsletter contains research on the economic importance of public lands, wildfire hazard assessments, and rural resilience. Subscribe to our newsletter.
Wildfire Hazard Assessments Inform Land Use Planning
Wildfire hazard assessment maps can help communities build safer neighborhoods, prioritize mitigation resources, and adapt to wildfire.
Public Land Ownership in the United States
Public lands influence the economy, demographics, and fiscal policies of communities. Explore maps and county-level data for the 828 million acres of federal, state, and municipal land in the U.S.
People and Public Lands Essays
What is the economic impact of America’s public lands and waters? How can we quantify how these remarkable resources contribute to our quality of life? And how are our valuation methods and public policies changing?
The Overlooked Importance of Federal Public Land Fiscal Policy
Fiscal policy reforms could substantially increase the economic benefits of public lands for states and local communities.
Getting into the Dirt of Public Lands Policy
Comprehensive benefit cost analyses of public lands policies are needed.
Democracy, Collective Values, and Public Land
A spiritual and cultural treasure and a multi-trillion-dollar asset, public land must be protected.