| This research uses three methodological techniques to analyze the factors affecting the cost of public services and the policies that influence those factors. First, a cross-sectional analysis identifies the most significant factors affecting local own-source revenues, the basic measure of the cost of local government in this research. Next, a comparative analysis is conducted using a series of factors in two states with very different cultures of growth management: Maryland and Virginia. Has growth resulted in similar development patterns and fiscal impacts in each state? Finally, a case study chronicles the land use and fiscal policies and their effects in moderating the costs of local government in Loudoun County, the fastest growing County in the nation in 2004. Conclusions highlight the impediments to achieving fiscal efficiencies through development policy. |
