“Eminent domain is not a tool to be used lightly. In fact, it is most often used as a last resort.”[1] –Don Borut, Executive Director, National League of Cities

“No one knows how many of these projects are out there because the data is flimsy…. But my hunch, from what data we do have, is that the number is relatively small and concentrated in large congested cities like New York, Boston or Baltimore.”[1] –Thomas Merrill, Professor of Law, Columbia University

“The way the opponents of eminent domain always want to portray it is, ‘Oh, Old Mother Hubbard is getting kicked out of her cupboard by an evil government.’”[1] –Mayor Anthony Williams, Washington, D.C.

“The use of eminent domain for economic development purposes raises a quintessentially local issue…. The democratic process at the local level is capable of stopping unwise uses of the eminent domain power.”[1] – John D. Echeverria

“First, a New Jersey municipality can not just take someone’s land and give it to a private developer. Second, the process involved is open, public and subject to judicial review at several key points in the process. Third, the rules and procedures are set forth in statute and controlled by the Legislature.”[1] – New Jersey League of Municipalities

“We have strong laws already on the books in California that limit the use of eminent domain by redevelopment agencies as a last resort and in instances where there are findings of blight. Our laws already provide property owners ample due process protections.”[1] –John F. Shirey, Executive Director, California Redevelopment Association

“Despite fearful rhetoric in the press, the Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. City of New London did not expand the use or powers of eminent domain.” –Donald J. Borut, Executive Director, National League of Cities[1]

“For the most part, this is a tool that redevelopment entities in Florida have had since the 1970s…. It’s not being used in an improper manner.”[1] – Kraig Conn, legislative counsel for the Florida League of Cities

“Few government or elected officials are willing to risk their position and political stability in pursuit of a project overwhelmingly opposed by the community.”[1]

—International Economic Development Council

“We obligated ourselves to do something [use eminent domain for private development] two years ago…. If people had pangs of conscience, they could have had pangs of conscience before it came to a vote.” – Mayor Mara Giulianti, Hollywood, Fla.