Eminent Domain

Abstract

As downtown redevelopment occurs, eminent domain continues to be used as an economic development tool. This research evaluates the equity, effectiveness, and efficiency of certain components of eminent domain as it is used for downtown economic development projects. A survey-based methodology was employed to acquire data from city managers located in the 239 most populous cities within the United States. The findings indicate that eminent domain is effective in raising property tax values, efficient in minimizing litigation-based project delays, but inequitable to various developers seeking title to property following condemnation.