Local government revenue structure: Trends and challenges

John R. Bartle, Kenneth A. Kriz, Boris Morozov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper examines trends in local government revenues and current challenges that local governments face in raising revenue. We also look into the future in an effort to make recommendations to local governments regarding their revenue structure. Important trends that we document include a long-term decline in the property tax and an increase in both state aid and user charges. Recent economic changes present serious challenges for local governments due to volatility of sales taxes, decreases in property values, and threats to state aid. As local governments shape their revenue structure, they will need to respond to external economic, technological and demographic changes. Only user charges offer hopeful prospects as a productive revenue source.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-287
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Public Budgeting, Accounting and Financial Management
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Administration
  • Strategy and Management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Local government revenue structure: Trends and challenges'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this