---
title: The Truth About Economic Development Incentives - episode 110 - Wyoming Liberty Group - Wyoming Liberty Group
description: Matthew Mitchell of the Mercatus Center joins Eye on the Issues to explain why targeted economic development incentives often fail to deliver promised results.
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 #  The Truth About Economic Development Incentives - episode 110

 

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Matthew Mitchell of the Mercatus Center and Fraser Institute to explore the real impact of targeted economic development incentives.

Drawing on years of research, Mitchell explains why corporate subsidies often fail to deliver the promised results—and in many cases may even reduce overall economic activity. The conversation breaks down the economic logic behind these findings, including how uneven tax structures can create greater inefficiencies, distort market behavior, and encourage "rent-seeking" rather than true value creation.

We also examine the growing competition between states to attract businesses through incentives, and whether an interstate compact could offer a path forward. Closer to home, the discussion touches on how Wyoming's Constitution addresses corporate subsidies—and how later provisions have complicated those original limits.

For policymakers and the public alike, this raises important questions:

- Are these projects happening because of subsidies—or would they happen anyway?

- What are the tradeoffs, and what opportunities are being overlooked?



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









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**Wyoming Liberty Group**  
P.O. Box 9 • Burns, WY 82053  
Phone: (307) 632-7020