I had started thinking about land tax several years ago quite independently having never even heard of it as a concept. Recently, and really only in preparation for this article did I discover where the idea was in the pantheon of property tax proposals.

My friend Pete Kasabach of NJ Futures gave me some insight and suggested the “split” tax as a more rational concept (which I mention in the article). Also, I found a report by the Regional Planning Association and funded by the Lincoln Institute that discusses it.

Had I known about the famous Philadelphians (especially Mr. Dodson), I could have added some additional depth.

Philadelphia also claims one of the most prominent proponents of the land tax in the sphere of practical politics: Jonathan Saidel, the former city controller of Philadelphia. He actually published a report recommending this reform, though it has disappeared from city websites since his departure from office in 2005.

Dan’s comments on the impact of the currently discussed tax reforms are right on, but I suspect the land tax is as far from reach in Trenton as it proved to be in Philadelphia. However, it might be fun to reach out to Saidel and ask him to give a lecture on the topic in Trenton.