Fairhope Single Tax Corporation

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​*** We have several exciting announcements! ***

 

1.  Our office is moving! However, from now until December 31, 2026, please continue to send mail to our current address:

 

Fairhope Single Tax Corporation

336 Fairhope Avenue

Fairhope, AL 36532

 

2. Effective January 1, 2027, please send mail to our new address:

 

Fairhope Single Tax Corporation

10 N Summit Street

Fairhope, AL 36532

 

We look forward to seeing you at our new location (with parking!).

           

2026 Invoices have gone out! There are several ways to pay!

 

• You may use your bank’s online Bill Payment option to send a check. Make the check payable to Fairhope Single Tax Corporation, reference your Lease Number, and send to the above address. Be sure to select a date that is early enough for the mail to arrive to us in time. No envelope, stamp, or trip to the post office required!

 

• ACH payments may be made using the following information as the destination for your payment (please reference your Lease Number so your payment will be properly applied):

 

Fairhope Single Tax Corporation

Routing #: 021052053

Account #: 46427436

 

***Your bank may apply fees, depending on your type of account—direct any questions to your bank.

 

• You may also pay by cash or check (there is also a drop slot to the right of our door).

 

To receive the 2% discount on your Rent, full payment will be due by November 2, 2026. If you choose not to take advantage of the 2% discount, you have until December 1, 2026 to pay in full.

 

As a reminder, you may always make regular estimated payments in advance of the FSTC Invoice.

 

The FSTC Annual Lecture Series will begin in January 2027. Stay tuned for exact dates!

 

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Additional tabs and information under "More."​

 

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​Fairhope: A Single Tax Colony

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Fairhope, Alabama, is one of two single tax colonies remaining in the United States (the other is in Arden, Delaware). The community, also known as the Colony, was established in 1894 by a group from Des Moines, Iowa, headed by Ernest B. Gaston, who wanted to establish a colony based on the single tax theories of economist, journalist, and social reformer Henry George. These theories were presented in his great book Progress and Poverty, published in 1879.

 

The people who founded Fairhope were not able to create a true single tax community as defined by Henry George, but they attempted to come as close as they could. They acquired land in the name of the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation (it was called the Fairhope Industrial Association until 1904), then leased the land to those who wanted to use or live on the land. Lessees receive a 99 year renewable lease on the land, but have ownership of improvements on the land.

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The Town of Fairhope, now the City of Fairhope, was incorporated in 1908. The City is governed by an elected Mayor and five elected City Council Members. It is located on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, a short distance from Mobile. Although the infrastructure of Fairhope was built by the Colony, it was deeded to the City of Fairhope when it was incorporated. Today, the City of Fairhope operates just like any other municipality. 

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Today, the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit corporation located within the City of Fairhope. The Fairhope Single Tax Corporation, also known as the Colony, still owns about 4,500 acres of land in and around Fairhope, both inside and outside the city limits, which is about 25% of Fairhope. The majority of Colony land is located in the downtown area and moving East in proximity to Fairhope Avenue.