New Research: Eminent Domain Does Not Increase Construction Costs

WHO: Economist Leah Brooks and law professor Zachary Liscow

WHAT: Looking at the cost of construction from 1960 to 1980 find land costs are minimal

HOW does this impact eminent domain reform?

• eminent domain reform does not increase construction costs, even when accounting for inflation
• the proportion of construction costs that relate to land acquisition has not risen in comparison to the project costs

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