The Trust for Public Land

Notes about the Data

Records for the years 1996 to present are the most comprehensive. Beginning in 1996, data on measures have been collected each year as elections occurred. Measures for the years prior to 1996 have been researched to the extent possible based on historical research collected from newspaper archives and state and local elections officials. Factors that may limit the comprehensiveness of the data for these years include the availability of historical records and the fact that conservation measures may not have been as widely reported by media outlets as they have been in recent years. TPL will continue to update and gather new data to strengthen the integrity of the LandVote database and to ensure accuracy in the study and reporting of land conservation finance efforts around the country.

LandVote^® tracks two major types of conservation ballot measures:

1) "Pay as you go" measures authorize sales, property, income, and other taxes to pay for conservation. When a ballot measure authorizes a new tax, LandVote^® counts the estimated revenue generated for the duration of the tax. When the tax is not limited to a specific term, a duration of 20 years is used. In all cases the total funds generated over the life of the measure are conservatively estimated and do not reflect likely increases in the tax base. When a ballot measure increases an existing tax, LandVote^® counts only the value of the added increment.
2) Bond measures authorize the use of bonded indebtedness (general obligation bonds) for the purpose of financing capital improvements such as land conservation. In tabulating results, LandVote^® counts the face value of the bonds authorized, rather than the much higher value of repaying the bonds in the future. Bonds usually extend for 20 or 30 years.

LandVote^® tabulates funding amount in two ways:

1) Total funds represent funds generated through the entire ballot measure for all purposes.
2) Conservation funds represent funds generated for land acquisition and protection only.

For example, suppose there is a bond measure for $60 million, of which $30 million will be used for land acquisition and protection and $30 million will be for other various capital improvements. This measure would appear in LandVote^® as $60 million total funds and $30 million conservation funds. Both sets of figures document and help explain the substantial voter support that exists for conservation and the voters’ willingness to pay for conservation.

LandVote^® GIS Data:

Currently we are using 2007 state, county and municipality polygons linked to the LandVote^® database. Special districts that have voted on a LandVote measure are not mapped at this time.

The LandVote^® Database provides a dynamic interface for in-depth research on conservation ballot measures. Complete with easily accessible tables and graphs detailing conservation ballot measures by state, finance mechanism, and jurisdiction type.

TPL experts are available to provide analysis and advanced queries. Contact TPL LandVote or call 617-367-6200.