A substantial body of theoretical and empirical evidence demonstrates that interregional competition for factors of production leads to convergence of per capita output. Is there an analogous process that leads to convergence of public sector activity? Skidmore, et al (2004) develop a model that...

We offer a practical test of local government effectiveness in the provision of public services. Building on the work of Brueckner (1979, 1982, 1983) and Henderson (1990, 1995) we offer a property value maximization model where levels of local public services are capitalized into property...

Using a Barro-type empirical growth framework we explore the relationship between tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) and the economic growth of U.S. states. The model uses a panel of annual data for the 50 states from 1990 to 2010, with a variable parameter specification coupled with a...

We focus on the impact of statutory and constitutional Tax and Expenditure Limits (TELs) on growth levels and rates of convergence. Using a panel of US state data from 1987 to 2004, we report a family of neoclassical growth models. Using simple dummy variables to identify states with and without...

A substantial body of theoretical and empirical evidence demonstrates that interregional competition for factors of production leads to convergence of per capita output. Is there an analogous process that leads to convergence of public sector activity? Skidmore et al. develop a model that is...

Using a participatory research design structure we examine (1) historical trends, (2) economic clusters, and (3) the economic contribution of water dependent industries on Portage County, Wisconsin. A research team composed of nine members of the community along, with the authors of this study,...

Wisconsin county government officials are facing an almost perfect "fiscal storm." Since 1993, county governments have been operating under property tax rate restrictions and over the past few years levy limits as well--a primary source of locally generated revenues. The structural deficits...