In 2005, Ohio lawmakers will likely consider whether or not to renew the law authorizing Ohio's Enterprise Zone Program, a popular program initially created to spur economic development and job creation in distressed areas. Enterprise zones provide property tax abatements to firms that locate or expand within zone borders. This study, by Kent State University Assistant Professor Mark Cassell, finds that substantially more of the jobs and investment associated with the program go to higher-income areas in the state. These findings should be considered when the program is reevaluated.

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Enterprising Program Offers Hope                                                                                   Willoughby News-Herald, November 21, 04

Zoned Out: A Plan to Help Dying Cities Shoves the Knife Deeper                                                Scene Magazine, June 16-22, 04

Enterprise Zones Help Affluent Areas, Report Says                                                            Dayton Daily News, October 29, 03

Abatement Worries Unite Schools                                                                                       Columbus Dispatch, October 29, 03

Study: Tax Abatements Benefit Wealthier More Than Low-Income Areas                  Wooster Daily Record, October 31, 03

Affluent Areas Get Biggest Zone Aid                                                                                     Chicago Tribune, November 2, 03

Wealthy Benefit Most From Enterprise Zones                                                                 Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cassell, November 10, 03

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