Just how effective tax breaks and other incentives are at boosting economic development is a crucial question states and localities should answer when they look to expand or renew programs.
Yet the extent to which local governments actually scrutinize economic development programs varies greatly, and many remain without basic accountability measures.
Image: The John A. Wilson Building, which houses the offices and chambers of the mayor and council of the District of Columbia. Earlier this year, the D.C. council approved a measure to require its chief financial officer to review tax expenditures. Wikimedia Commons/ Awiseman
