During the most recent recession, many state governments faced substantial budget shortfalls.State politicians often blame the fiscal crises created by those shortfalls on factors largely outside their control, such as the declining economy or reductions in federal aid. Others have suggested...

This paper provides the first examination of the relationship between eminent domain activity and the growth (and level) of state and local revenue. We restrict our attention to takings that are for private use, such as the one that led to the landmark Kelo decision in 2005. One of the arguments...