ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates ways to consider marginal impacts using examples from Bloomington, IL. Ideally, marginal fiscal impact should be considered, particularly when new development is proposed at the outer edges of the city, especially when sprawl or leapfrog development is being proposed. The area to the southeast, known as the Grove neighborhood, is an obvious example of sprawl or leapfrog development. The area to the southwest, known as Fox Creek, is another example of sprawl, with its many one-sided roads shown in red, plus roads maintained by the city passing through the unincorporated area to provide access to the parcels. The availability of an estimate of marginal costs before a new subdivision was approved would be the best way to avoid the overextension of city services and prevent sprawl. In an ideal world, a marginal impact study would enable city officials to see problem areas in advance and use the study results to inform their decisions.
