Tuesday, April 22, 2025 // 9:00 am — 3:00 pm
Chesapeake College Higher Education Center
1000 College Circle
Wye Mills, MD 21679
Discover how value-per-acre data can pave the way for innovative solutions to the growing housing crisis and shed light on the return on investment for land use for local governments.
Join us as ESLC welcomes Edward Erfurt, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns, for a compelling discussion on improving the financial productivity of our neighborhoods through small, incremental actions. Instead of relying on large-scale projects or centralized initiatives, he will share a simple, four-step process for identifying and addressing real community needs at the block level. By observing where people struggle, taking the next smallest action, and repeating the process, we can create stronger, more financially resilient places—no matter the size or budget of our community.
What is Value Per Acre? Value per acre is a measure of land-use efficiency that calculates the economic productivity of a given area of land. It is akin to measuring the fuel efficiency of a car in miles per gallon rather than miles per tank, providing a more accurate assessment of how well land is being utilized. This metric helps reveal patterns in land use that might not be immediately apparent and allows for a direct comparison of different land uses in terms of their financial productivity.
Why is Value Per Acre Important? Value per acre is a more accurate way to measure a community’s financial health because it normalizes tax values into an “apples-to-apples” comparison, contrasting public investment in infrastructure and services with property taxes. This approach can highlight the true economic return on investment for local governments, showing which land uses are most beneficial in terms of revenue generation. By focusing on value per acre, communities can make more informed decisions about land use and development, ultimately leading to more financially resilient and sustainable neighborhoods2.
This low-key, interactive, and collaborative workshop will provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, and work together to explore practical solutions.
Lunch will be provided. Register below!