University of Minnesota Public Finance
http://www.extension.umn.edu/publicfinance/
Government and taxation are hot topics in many communities. Who should pay for the new school? Will more development lower my property taxes? Is it fair that only certain businesses get tax breaks? Governments are stretched thin to meet the needs of citizens who demand lower taxes but expect accountable, efficient, and quality government services. It's critical for citizens and public officials to learn about our tax systems and examine how best to pay for services. The Public Finance program helps community leaders understand and articulate the roles of government and taxation.
Upcoming Workshops
Feature
Minnesota Land Economics
The one-stop source for the land data you need. Build your own Minnesota land dataset using current data from a variety of sources.
Educational Offerings
Contact an educator in your area to schedule one of these informative sessions:
Identifying the Public Value of Public Programs — Public employees and governments can learn how to articulate the value of their programs through activities and facilitated dialogue. Learn how to Help Build Extension's Public Value
The Role of Government in a Market Economy — Explore the intersection between government and economy. Understand the various roles government plays, such as addressing market failures and providing public goods.
Tax Reform and Revenue Volatility — Consider fairness and the volatility of revenues when changing your tax structure. How should our tax system look in ten years?
Tax Revenue as Baby Boomers Grow Old — Prepare for a sharp shift in tax revenue. Learn how tax liabilities change after retirement and how these changes affect state revenues and your community.
Property Tax Issues and Analysis — Explore the fundamentals of Minnesota's property tax system. Use our tools to make better decisions about future development and tax policy.
A Minnesota Citizen's Guide to Tax Policy — Get an overview of Minnesota's tax system and learn to analyze proposed tax policy changes.
Agland: The Rural Land Use Game — Land use decisions are complex because of competing interests and far-reaching consequences. Practice making decisions without real-life fallout with Agland the Game.
Contact Information
Michael Darger
Area Program Leader
Community Economics
460 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108-6068
Email: darger@umn.edu
Phone: 612-625-6246
Fax: 612-625-1955
John F. Bennett
Community Economics
179 University Road
Cloquet, MN 55720-9506
Email: jbennett@umn.edu
Phone: 218-726-6471
Cell: 218-343-6742
Regional Educators
Contact your Community Economics Regional Educator
http://www.usc.edu/schools/sppd/research/centers/keston.html
The Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy, a first for a major research university in California, examines one of the state's and our country's most pressing challenges: providing infrastructure to support a population projected to grow substantially by 2020. The institute focuses on issues of transportation, open space, power, other utilities, and waste treatment and disposal, providing accurate and insightful information that will aid in the development of public policy and spur innovative approaches to addressing the daunting realities of continued, explosive population growth in California and the nation.