Vacant and abandoned properties are burning a hole in the pockets of local governments, businesses, and individuals. The root of the problem may seem far beyond the control of local governments. The vacancies are often a result of larger forces, such as corporate decisions to transfer jobs overseas, or developers’ decisions to invest in sprawling …
Public Investments Return Up to 45%
State and local governments are major investors in the country’s streets and highways, bridges, ports, airports, commuter rail, bus and subway systems, water treatment and distribution, sewerage, solid waste management, police and fire stations and equipment, and courthouses. In many places they build hospitals and clinics, and some provide electric distribution or telephone service as …