Freely available datasets are critical for policy analysis. The Lincoln Institute’s databases enable researchers to study important land policy challenges, policymakers to understand practices in other jurisdictions, and journalists to provide context in their stories. They also promote transparency and democratize access to information. Some Data and Toolkits are currently unavailable

Atlas of Urban Expansion

Massive urbanization is transforming our planet. In the next three decades, developing countries will double their urban population and possibly triple their land area. Most of this urban growth is unplanned, leading to global concerns about low-density sprawl and its detrimental environmental consequences – specifically, increased carbon emissions and energy use, and the loss of prime agricultural lands. This atlas provides empirical evidence that is critical for intelligent discussion of plans and policies to manage and prepare for urban expansion everywhere.

Fiscally Standardized Cities

The FiSC Database makes it possible to compare local government finances for 200 of the largest U.S. cities across more than 120 categories of revenues, expenditures, debt, and assets, with annual data going back to 1977. The estimates account for the fact that some city governments provide the full array of local government services, whereas others share the responsibility with overlying counties, school districts, and special purpose districts.

The Hardest Working River in the West

Through data and stories, this StoryMap introduces viewers to the key water sustainability issues in the Colorado River Basin. Although not the largest or longest river in the world, the Colorado River connects a rich array of social and ecological communities along its 1,450 mile journey from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to its mouth in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Legacy Cities

Legacy Cities throughout the United States face many similar challenges as they adapt to twenty-first century economic realities. Use this website to find programs, initiatives, and strategies used in comparable cities that could be applied to yours.

Property Tax in Latin America

Property tax has been introduced in a large majority of Latin American countries, but its structure and administration vary greatly among jurisdictions. Little data is currently available regarding the performance of property taxes in Latin America. More importantly, even the public authorities of these countries have difficulty in collecting information on the main characteristics of the systems and of the reform initiatives that are underway. In order to contribute to the organization and dissemination of information in this area, the Lincoln Institute produced this database by undertaking a study involving a comparative analysis of property tax in Latin America. 

Significant Features of the Property Tax

This database provides detailed information about the property tax system in all 50 states, with descriptions of states’ property tax relief programs, tax limits, taxation of agricultural property, classification, tax rates, and much more. 

State-by-State Property Tax at a Glance

This data visualization tool allows users to compare a wide range of property tax statistics and key features of each state’s tax system. The State-by-State Property Tax at a Glance narratives summarize highlights, key features, and history of state property tax systems, and provide valuable context for the companion visualization tool.

Vertical Equity App

On a national level, findings of widespread vertical inequity in property tax assessments—with low-priced properties assessed at a higher percentage of market value than high-priced properties—have challenged assessment offices across the US to measure and evaluate the level of vertical equity in assessment rolls. This application is designed to provide assessment offices with the capacity to undertake this statistical study and the ability to communicate the results effectively.