The City of Hamilton faces a number of serious challenges – air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, sprawl, vacant properties downtown, and a heavy reliance on property taxes. Without changes in public policy and investment, Hamilton can expect these and other challenges to become more serious in the future. Fortunately, Hamilton is well positioned to make changes and there seems to be a willingness to think big about solutions. By doing so, Hamilton can fulfill its potential for a stronger and more diversified economy, as well as a greener and healthier city.
This paper examines the economic incentives that result in the challenges outlined above and how those incentives can be re-shaped by municipal policy – a process termed “environmental pricing reform.”
