Open space saves tax money.
Studies across the country consistently show that the tax expenditure/income generation relationship of open space is more favorable than that for residential development. Residential development often costs more in services than it provides in tax base. Two recent North Carolina studies confirm these results:

Click here to read "The Fiscal Impact of Alternative Land Uses in Macon County," a report that compares different types of land uses to local government property tax revenues and costs of services supported by property taxes.

Click here to read "The Costs of Community Services in Wake County," which also compares different types of land uses to local government property tax revenues and costs of services supported by property taxes.

In addition, studies by the US Department of Commerce show that open spaces — forests, wetlands and farmlands — save local tax money and protect drinking water, contrary to a long-standing misconception that undeveloped land is not economically productive.

Open space makes little, if any, demand on municipal services such as school systems, police and fire departments, and water and septic/sewer services. A typical residence, on the other hand, may require municipal services costing more than the amount it pays in local taxes.