Eminent Domain
The Issue · Position · Status · Resources
The Issue
Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use. This power is limited by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which provides that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. In a decision announced on June 23, 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in the case of Kelo v. City of New London that the City's condemnation of several privately-owned parcels pursuant to a comprehensive economic development plan did not violate the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. As a result, many states are considering additional restrictions on their use of eminent domain to clarify what constitutes a valid public use under their state laws.
Position
- The federal government should not use federal programs or funding as a means to impose limitations on the use of eminent domain by state and local governments.
- Each state should exercise its sovereign authority to determine the appropriate use of eminent domain.
- The NAIOP chapters in each state are best positioned to determine their policy on the proper use of eminent domain in their state.
Status
One hundred and fourteen pieces of legislation related to eminent domain were or are currently being considered by state legislatures. To view current legislative activity within your state, visit NAIOP's state legislative monitoring service. (Members Only. You will need to log in using your member number and password to obtain the password for this service.)
Resources
- September 2006 Update on Eminent Domain legislation at the state level.
- White Page on Eminent Domain as prepared by Brian Blaesser, Partner, Robinson & Cole LLP.
- Powerpoint on Eminent Domain shown at the 2006 Chapter Leadership and Legislative Retreat as prepared by Brian Blaesser, Partner, Robinson & Cole LLP.
Contact:
Toby Burke
Senior Director of State and Local Affairs
(703) 904-7100 ext. 116
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