Crosswalks: Smart Growth, Stronger Communities
Focused on how La Plata, Charles County, and Southern Maryland can build more resilient, sustainable, and people-centered places. It covers local development, housing, transportation, environment, community/economic development policies and plans, bringing thoughtful insights and expert voices to help shape a better future.
It's about connecting people, sharing knowledge, and building stronger, healthier, sustainable communities.
Crosswalks: Smart Growth, Stronger Communities
The Need for Fiscal Analysis
La Plata’s development pattern does not generate enough revenue/taxes to pay for services and infrastructure. There’s a gap between tax revenues needed to provide Town services and amenities, and the actual maintenance and other costs to pay for these services now and in the future, as town growth continues.
There is a need to be fiscally sustainable so that service costs align with what citizens and businesses are willing and able to pay for now and in the future.
There is also a need to re-evaluate the town’s dependency on residential development to fund infrastructure. We need to diversify our tax base, despite limited land area. The right kind of commercial and industrial (do we really need another gas station/car wash, storage?!) development demands fewer services than residential housing.
References:
La Plata Town Council October 10, 2023 Meeting /Discussion 23:54 - 39:15
YouTube Video
Verdunity Fiscal Analysis Background/Examples
Tate Texas:
Strong Towns Article
Fiscal Analysis/Fiscal Sustainability Policy
La Plata Ward 1 Vacancy Process
