Interesting discussion over at Ed Cone’s about Greensboro’s No. 4 ranking on America’s emptiest cities, including the possibility that government’s fixation with mixed-used development —- a key Smart Growth component — contributes to vacancy rates.
Greensboro’s on another list this morning —- as is every other N.C. city —- the Center for Local Innovation’s list of “What Government Costs in North Carolina.” The list is here:
Local taxes and fees topped $1,960 per person in High Point during the 2007 budget year, a rate that pushes the city to No. 8 in the tax-burden rankings of North Carolina’s largest cities. Greensboro ranks No. 12, and Winston-Salem No. 16, according to a new report from the Raleigh-based Center for Local Innovation.
High Point’s No. 8 ranking marks a jump of two spots on the list, enough to move the city into the top quarter of the state’s 31 largest cities. Greensboro ($1,933 per person) moved up one spot from 2006, while Winston-Salem ($1,807) dropped two spots. Burlington ($1,570) ranked No. 23, while Thomasville ($1,275) ranked No. 30.
