The California property tax system puts an unfair burden on homeowners and new businesses.
"..Walt Disney Co. pays as little as 2 and 3 cents per square foot for some of theparcels that make up the original Disneyland, with the average being about a nickel. Under Proposition 13 rules, Disney's taxes on that land are based on the assessed value from the late 1970s, when Proposition 13 kicked in... In its report, the Senate Office of Research focused on "loopholes" that allow business ownership to change without triggering a reassessment. A change of ownership on a home is easy to determine, but it can be murkier for businesses. Does a publicly traded company change hands, for example, when a majority of its stock turns over? And if stock turnover equals ownership change, how can assessors keep track of it?"
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Firms' Prop. 13 Savings Are Coveted
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
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North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
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Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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