Explains the origins, key features, and implementation of use-value assessment (UVA) programs in property taxation in the United States during the last half-century. Intended audience consists of academics who study public finance, agricultural and land economics, urban economics and regional...

We analyze the spread of use-value assessment (UVA) programs applied to agricultural and rural land for property tax purposes across the 50 states. Taxing such land on the basis of its current use in agriculture rather than its full market value can confer significant property tax reductions on...