---
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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\[!\[Wyoming Liberty Group\](https://wyliberty.org/images/2020/06/01/wy-logo-lg-trees.png)!\[Wyoming Liberty Group\](https://wyliberty.org/images/2020/06/01/wy-logo-sm-trees.png)\](https://wyliberty.org/) \[\](#)- \[Home\](https://wyliberty.org/) - \[About\](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) - \[Who We Are\](https://wyliberty.org/about/who-we-are) - \[Core Principles\](https://wyliberty.org/about/core-principles) - \[Staff &amp; Board\](https://wyliberty.org/about/staff) - \[Current Posts\](https://wyliberty.org/current-posts) - \[Topics\](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) - \[Wyliberty Policy Compass\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/wyliberty-policy-compass) - \[Economic\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/economic) - \[Education\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/education) - \[Election Security Standards\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/election-security-standards) - \[Energy and Resources\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/energy-and-resources) - \[Eye on the Issues\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/eye-on-the-issues) - \[Government Programs\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/government-programs) - \[Health Care\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/health-care) - \[Keep Wyoming Strong\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/keep-wyoming-strong) - \[Legal\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/legal-perspectives) - \[Limited Government\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/limited-government) - \[Marijuana/THC\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/marijuana-thc) - \[Political\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives) - \[Property Rights\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/property-rights) - \[Regulation\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/government-regulation) - \[Spotlight on WyLiberty\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/spotlight-on-wyliberty) - \[Timeless Topics\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/timeless-topics) - \[Transparency\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/government-transparency) - \[Get Involved\](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) - \[Donation/Membership\](https://wyliberty.org/get-involved/donate) - \[Newsletter\](https://mailchi.mp/3d5c211df744/newsletter-sign-up) - \[Contact \](https://wyliberty.org/contact) - \[Search\](https://wyliberty.org/search) ## Hot Topics ### Eye on the Issues <a></a> Font size: \[ &amp;plus; \](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) \[ – \](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) \[ Print \](https://wyliberty.org/blog/economic/the-truth-about-economic-development-incentives-episode-110?tmpl=component&amp;print=1&amp;format=print "Print") # The Truth About Economic Development Incentives - episode 110 \[Economic\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/economic) \[Political\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives) \[Eye on the Issues\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/eye-on-the-issues) Thursday, 23 April 2026 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? \[ \](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) \[ \](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) \[ \](https://wyliberty.org/javascript:void(0);) Tags: \[Economic Opportunity\](https://wyliberty.org/blog-tags/economic-opportunity) \[Economic Growth\](https://wyliberty.org/blog-tags/economic-growth) \[Economics\](https://wyliberty.org/blog-tags/economics) \[Economic Development\](https://wyliberty.org/blog-tags/economic-development) \[Legislature\](https://wyliberty.org/blog-tags/legislature) \[Eye on the Issues\](https://wyliberty.org/blog-tags/eye-on-the-issues) \[Video\](https://wyliberty.org/videos) \[ OP-ED: Defining Food Insecurity in Wyoming \](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives/op-ed-defining-food-insecurity-in-wyoming) \[ Reviewing Wyoming's Budget Session with Rep. Tomi ... \](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives/reviewing-wyomings-budget-session-with-rep-tomi-strock-episode-109) #### Related Posts ### \[Reviewing Wyoming's Budget Session with Rep. Tomi Strock - episode 109\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives/reviewing-wyomings-budget-session-with-rep-tomi-strock-episode-109) \[Political\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives) ### \[Nuclear Energy, Data Centers, and the Bigger Policy Picture with Eric Epstein - Episode 108\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/eye-on-the-issues/nuclear-energy-data-centers-and-the-bigger-policy-picture-with-eric-epstein-episode-108) \[Eye on the Issues\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/eye-on-the-issues) ### \[Wyoming Secretary of State on Elections and Economic Policy - Episode 107\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/eye-on-the-issues/wyoming-secretary-of-state-on-elections-and-economic-policy-episode-107) \[Eye on the Issues\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/eye-on-the-issues) ### \[WY 2026 HB 150 - Wyoming Business Council – Evaluation and Reform\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives/wy-2026-hb-150-wyoming-business-council-evaluation-and-reform) \[Political\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives) ### \[WY 2026 SF 125 - Wyoming Business Council - Amendments\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives/wy-2026-sf-125-wyoming-business-council-amendments) \[Political\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives) ### \[WY 2026 HB 178 - Public Unions – Transparency and Dues Withdrawal Limitations\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives/wy-2026-hb-178-public-unions-transparency-and-dues-withdrawal-limitations) \[Political\](https://wyliberty.org/blog/political-perspectives) !\[logo white 002\](https://wyliberty.org/images/general\_art/logo\_white\_002.png) \*\*Wyoming Liberty Group\*\* P.O. 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