There is no quick and easy method to analyze the impact of population growth on local government finances. No computer program can systematically incorporate all important characteristics of a particular new firm and a specific community into a finely tuned mathematical model and then magically compute detailed and precise estimates of new revenues and expenditures. Forecasting local impacts is still more art than science, especially in smaller communities. Knowledge of local conditions is of the utmost importance. The following overview of existing methods of raising revenues and providing services should help community leaders minimize the fiscal impacts of growth.
