In a new policy brief, researchers from the Center for State and Local Finance (CSLF) dive into the distribution of personal income, property tax bases, and sales tax bases across Georgia counties, providing insights into the fiscal capacity of these counties to fund public services. The report highlights significant disparities, with a focus on equity—both in terms of individual purchasing power and the ability of counties to generate revenue through taxes. The brief also explores the implications of these disparities, suggesting that state-level policies could help address the inequality in fiscal health among counties. Potential solutions include intergovernmental transfer programs that could equalize the ability of counties to fund essential services, particularly in education and general governance.
Read the full brief here.
