We show that the optimal property tax rate rises with the ratio of land rents to structure and land development costs. California's high ratio of income to property tax revenue and the distribution of Federal housing subsidies thus appear geographically misplaced. Proportional taxation of...

We show that the optimal property tax rate rises with the ratio of land rents to structure and land development costs. California’s high ratio of income to property tax revenue and the distribution of Federal housing subsidies thus appear geographically misplaced. Proportional taxation of...

Demand pressure, not supply inelasticity, explains coastal markets' high price volatility relative to other US markets in the housing cycle of 1998 through 2009. Relative to a comparison group of more elastically supplied markets facing similar historical demand pressure, coastal markets saw...