DeVoe Moore Center Buildings, Community Redevelopment, DeVoe Moore Center, Economic Development, Economics, Education, Florida, Florida State University, Higher Education, Land Use, Tallahassee, Urban Development

The Appeal of CollegeTown’s Amenities Over The Years

By Ava Jowers What was once several city blocks of warehouses and empty lots is now one of the most popular destinations for college students and young professionals in Tallahassee. The story of how this older section of the city transitioned into a premier urban location is complex but instructive for understanding contemporary urban redevelopment. … Continue reading The Appeal of CollegeTown’s Amenities Over The Years

DeVoe Moore Center Buildings, Community Redevelopment, DeVoe Moore Center, Economics, Florida, Florida State University, Government oversight, Government Performance, Land Use, Politics, Tallahassee, Tax Policy, Taxes, Urban Development, Zoning

Infrastructure critical to urban redevelopment

By Donald Sizemore College Town currently serves as the epicenter of Florida State University’s social life in Tallahassee. Yet, this vibrant mixed-use commercial and residential area--skirting the southern border of FSU, three blocks from Florida A&M University, and just a quarter mile from FSU’s football stadium--did not exist in 2010. Instead, the area was a … Continue reading Infrastructure critical to urban redevelopment

DeVoe Moore Center Economics, Entrepreneurship, Florida, Regulation, Sharing Economy, Taxes, Tourism

How Technology is Enabling a Revolution in Effective, Efficient Self-Regulation

By Maia Hass As the world becomes more technologically advanced, the online peer-to-peer sharing economy grows with it. In the last decade, digital platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway have introduced more personalized lodging options. However, the unique features associated with these platforms have raised concerns among consumers and legislators about the lack of … Continue reading How Technology is Enabling a Revolution in Effective, Efficient Self-Regulation

DeVoe Moore Center Economics, Environment, Florida, Government Spending, Insurance, Natural Disasters, Politics, Regulation, Tax Policy, Taxes

Challenges to Privatizing Flood Insurance

Giovanna Dasilva The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), implemented in 1968 to address a market failure in the flood insurance sector, has been the subject of scrutiny following hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Increasing the scope of the private sector has often been cited as a potential solution to the NFIP’s pitfalls. However, there are challenges … Continue reading Challenges to Privatizing Flood Insurance

DeVoe Moore Center Economics, Environment, Florida, Government Performance, Government Spending, Insurance, Land Use, Natural Disasters, Politics, Regulation, Subsidies, Tax Policy, Taxes, Zoning

After this Hurricane Season, We Need to Rethink Flood Insurance

Giovanna Dasilva With the national spotlight on flooding caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has come under scrutiny. The federal program primarily focuses on offering flood insurance coverage and reducing the impact of flood damage.   The NFIP was established in 1968 to counteract a market failure on the … Continue reading After this Hurricane Season, We Need to Rethink Flood Insurance

DeVoe Moore Center DeVoe Moore Center, Economics, Florida, Government Performance, Housing, Politics, Tax Policy, Taxes

Property Tax Appeal Process Benefits Wealthy, Non-minority Homeowners

Property taxes in Florida are based on annual assessments of property values made by county officials.  Homeowners in Florida can challenge assessments that they believe overvalue their property and inflate their tax bill.  Informally, the homeowner may meet with the assessor to negotiate for a reduced assessment.  The homeowner may also petition for a formal … Continue reading Property Tax Appeal Process Benefits Wealthy, Non-minority Homeowners

DeVoe Moore Center DeVoe Moore Center, Economic Development, Economics, Fiscal Policy, Florida, Government Spending, Politics, Tax Policy, Taxes

Study Explores Local Government Response to Recessions

Recessions can be trying times for city and county governments. They typically experience a fall in revenue from two primary sources:  1) a shrinking property tax base because of falling property values and 2) lower intergovernmental transfers—grants and other payments received from the state and federal governments—because of cutbacks made at these higher levels of … Continue reading Study Explores Local Government Response to Recessions

DeVoe Moore Center Economics, Environment, Fiscal Policy, Florida, Housing, Natural Disasters, Regulation, Subsidies, Taxes

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Still Vulnerable to Underfunding

By Chad Thomas Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) is a state-run insurer of last resort for commercial and residential property owners unable to afford a policy in the private market. Citizens tends to insure wealthy homeowners along the coast, where property values and the risk of damage are highest. In 2002, the Florida Windstorm … Continue reading Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Still Vulnerable to Underfunding

DeVoe Moore Center DeVoe Moore Center, Economics, Florida, Housing, Land Use, Politics, Urban Development

New Study Examines Spillover Effects of Real Estate Owned Properties

Since the housing market collapse, banks have repossessed large numbers of homes. These REO or real estate owned properties are often vacant and rundown and can lower the values of nearby residences. While research confirms this spillover effect of REOs on other properties, few studies have evaluated its relative magnitude in different neighborhoods. DeVoe Moore … Continue reading New Study Examines Spillover Effects of Real Estate Owned Properties