Product No.: 04016
Date Published: 03/2005
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In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, local governments rely heavily on property taxes as their primary source of revenue to fund local services, including education. In their quest to maximize local revenue, municipal officials may be drawn in to a "ratables chase", favoring land uses that generate high tax revenue but demand fewer services (commercial or industrial development) while looking to minimize uses expected to require more in local service costs than the tax revenue they generate (especially residential uses). The purpose of this study is to assess the role and impacts of the existing property tax system on local land-use decision making, regional land use patterns, and, consequently, transportation needs.The report provides information on current municipal tax rates and describes the results of a survey of municipal officials conducted by DVRPC, in an effort to gauge their perception of the impact that financial implications have on their local land use decision-making. Significant tax reform proposals are described, and land value taxation, one alternative to a traditional land-value based property tax system, is discussed. The report's final chapter provides a summary and presents recommended alternatives for property tax reform.
Geographic Area Covered: Pennsylvania Counties: Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, Chester & Philadelphia New Jersey Counties: Burlington Camden, Mercer, Gloucester
Key Words: property taxes, ratables chase, effective tax rate, township line syndrome, tax-base sharing, multi-municipal planning, land value taxation
Staff Contact(s)
- Karin A. Morris, AICP (kmorris@dvrpc.org)
Translation Request
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Title VI Statement
In effect as of January 30, 2025
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and related nondiscrimination mandates in all programs and activities. DVRPC is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, all programs and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or income level, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related nondiscrimination mandates.
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