Richard T. Ely (1925–1942): The Visionary Founder
Richard Theodore Ely was an American economist, professor, and author, born in 1854 in Ripley, New York. As the founding editor of Land Economics, he was instrumental in shaping the journal’s early direction and preparing the groundwork for its focus on land and public utility economics. He emphasized the need for economists to consider moral and social factors in their work and strongly supported academic research and freedom, which helped set the stage for the journal’s continued impact on the field.
Beyond his editorial role, Ely was a prominent advocate for the role of government in addressing social issues. He earned his bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 1876 and later obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Heidelberg. Ely was also a key figure in the founding of the American Economic Association in 1885, where he served as its first secretary and later as president. As the director of the School of Economics, Political Science, and History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1892 to 1925, he promoted the Wisconsin Idea, which sought to apply academic research directly to solving societal problems.
"The editorial policy of this journal best is summed up as 'that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found'"
- Richard T. Ely
Read Ely's Announcement of the new journal.
Read Harold Grove’s appreciation of Richard Ely.
Read the tribute to Ely by Henry Taylor and George Wehrwein.
Mary Amend Lescohier (1942–1974): Keeping the Journal Afloat
Mary Amend Lescohier played a crucial role in maintaining Land Economics during a period of transition and uncertainty. Serving as managing editor from 1942 to 1965 and as editor from 1965 to 1974, she oversaw the journal’s operations and ensured its continuity between the tenure of Richard Ely and the leadership of Daniel Bromley. In her 1969 article “Struggle of a Scholarly Journal for Survival,” Lescohier details the challenges the journal faced during its early years, reflecting her deep commitment to its endurance.
Beyond her editorial work, Leschohier was involved in local initiatives in Madison, including the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the League of Women Voters. She was also an active member of many civic organizations. Her stewardship of Land Economics secured it as a vital platform for scholarship in the field.
Read Lescohier’s editorial on the journal’s 50th anniversary.
Read the tribute to Lescohier.
Daniel W. Bromley (1974–2018): Steering Toward Environmental and Institutional Economics
Daniel W. Bromley served as the editor of Land Economics for an impressive 44 years, beginning in 1974. As the Anderson-Bascom Professor Emeritus of Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he played a pivotal role in steering the journal toward a deeper exploration of environmental and institutional economics. During his long tenure, Bromley transformed the journal into a key platform for discussing the economic dimensions of natural resources and the environment. His leadership ensured that Land Economics continued to engage with pressing contemporary issues related to property rights, economic development, and the role of institutions in shaping environmental policy.
In addition to his editorial work, Bromley is a distinguished scholar in the fields of property rights and environmental economics. In 2011, he received the Reimar Lüst Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and he has written 11 books and numerous articles over the years. His legacy, both as a researcher and as an editor, has had a lasting impact on the development of environmental economics, ensuring that the journal has remained at the forefront of the discipline.
Read Bromley’s inaugural editorial (with Charles Cicchetti).
Daniel J. Phaneuf (2018–Present): Embracing Contemporary Environmental Challenges
Since taking the reins in 2018, Daniel J. Phaneuf continues to uphold the journal's tradition of publishing groundbreaking research on critical, relevant issues like climate change, sustainable development, and resource conservation while maintaining its focus on empirical and policy-relevant studies. He is committed to enhancing the journal’s visibility, circulation, and impact, ensuring it remains a key platform for innovative scholarship.
As the Henry C. Taylor Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Phaneuf brings a wealth of experience in environmental economics, with specific expertise in the value of the environment as measured through location and spending choices and a focus on understanding the economic costs of water pollution. His impressive editorial background includes serving as the first editor-in-chief of the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists and as managing editor of the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management. Phaneuf is also a former president of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists and an AERE Fellow.
Read Phaneuf's inaugural editorial.
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