CMD: There are numerous scholarly papers addressing the issue of "urban containment" and it's impact on housing costs.  If such containment efforts limit the supply of available housing, indeed, they will increase the cost of housing through an impact on the supply/demand equation.  On the other hand, if such efforts promote infill and redevelopment which enhance the supply on housing....both new and "redeveloped", the impact can be neutral or may even lower the cost of housing.  In any case, the efforts to contain unchecked urban sprawl were NOT motivated by a conspiracy to increase people's property taxes.  

We could have a long and most interesting conversation regarding Oregon's total system of taxation with it's dependence on income and property taxes and our repeated refusal to adopt a sales tax.  I'd really enjoy that conversation.  Give me a call and let's have it.  Gary Crum  (easy to find in the Junction City phone book)  looking forward to hearing from you,  Gary Crum