Property Taxes for Development

Abstract

Over the past two decades, national governments and international organizations have increasingly emphasized the importance of strengthening local governments – and cities in particular – to support national development. Amidst rapid urbanization cities can be the engines of national economic growth, but they face acute and urgent service delivery and infrastructure challenges in managing rapid expansion. Investing in local government promises to strengthen state-building and accountability by bringing development efforts closer to citizens, providing direct channels for public accountability, and building more robust public administration.