Finding Answers in Land

 

How City-CLT Partnerships Preserve Affordable Homeownership

Municipal Partnerships with Community Land Trusts

New Report
Lincoln Institute President and CEO George "Mac" McCarthy
Lincoln Institute of Land Policy CEO to Step Down; Search for Successor Launched

Dr. George “Mac” McCarthy will step down at the end of 2025 after more than a decade of dedicated and strategic leadership of the institute.

Announcement

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks to improve quality of life through the effective use, taxation, and stewardship of land.

Learn how we work to achieve our vision.

Our Impact Areas

Our Mission

A nonprofit private operating foundation whose origins date to 1946, the Lincoln Institute researches and recommends creative approaches to land as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges. Through education, training, publications, and events, we integrate theory and practice to inform public policy decisions worldwide.

Where We Work
Yellow, black, and white traffic pattern lines painted on the ground near a seemingly abandoned transit facility.

Case Study

Transit Futures: Exploratory Scenario Planning in Greater Kansas City

This case reviews efforts of Mid-America Regional Council to incorporate exploratory scenario planning into its transportation plan. The council wanted to look at forces like climate change, demographic change, and technological advancements, and modify its vision accordingly. This case study is one of a three-part series by the same author on exploratory scenario planning.

Read the Case

Recent Publications

City Tech
By Rob Walker

Book

Technology and Tools

Mayor’s Desk
By Anthony Flint with a foreword by Michael Bloomberg and afterword by Angela D. Brooks

Book

Local Government

Preserving Affordable Homeownership
By John Emmeus Davis and Kristin King-Ries

Policy Focus Report

Housing

A couple walking down the stairs of their home.
When Property Values Rise, Do Property Taxes Rise Too?
Thomas Brosy and Adam Langley

Policy Downloads

Property Tax

Land Lines

Current Issue: Fall/Winter 2024

This issue includes an exploration of the historic federal investment in clean energy manufacturing in legacy cities, a photographic guide to density, and conversations with researchers who are past recipients of Lincoln Institute fellowships.

Subscribe
event

Join the Lincoln Institute at the National Planning Conference for conversations about 2025 planning trends, housing finance, using technology to enact equitable, sustainable urban change, and more. We’ll be leading sessions in Denver in March and presenting online sessions in April.

opportunity

The Lincoln Vibrant Communities Program—Land and Water Planning equips leaders with advanced skills in land and water planning, policy development, and strategic leadership.

event

The Lincoln Institute invites you to this presentation about the history and conservation legacy of the Longfellow House.

opportunity

Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams Program, June 2025

Deadline: April 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM

The Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams Program equips teams with advanced leadership skills, expert coaching, and structured coursework to develop actionable solutions for complex community challenges.

course

This online self-paced course provides an overview of how local governments in the U.S. raise and spend money for the public services and infrastructure that are foundational to a high quality of life.