Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is intensifying her efforts to push through a contentious tax proposal, shifting the city's tax burden onto commercial real estate. She warns that average single-family homeowners in Boston face a 13% hike in property taxes starting January.
Despite Wu's renewed push, prospects for her plan winning approval in the State House appear dimming. This is Wu's third attempt at passing a similar plan, which has faced significant opposition from business groups and fiscal watchdogs.
Wu's proposal would temporarily raise the cap on commercial property tax rates before gradually returning to the current formulation over several years. However, timing may be against her, as the City Council will soon vote on property tax rates and residential exemption amounts, a decision that must occur by December 1 to ensure timely billing.
The mayor is facing opposition from key allies, including Senate President Karen Spilka, who has highlighted alternative proposals from state senators Nick Collins and William Brownsberger. Collins accused Wu of playing politics and warned that her public push for the legislation last week indicates setting up a fight.
Business groups have offered mixed reactions, with some supporting Wu's plan while others warn that further punishing commercial properties would only exacerbate the issue. The Massachusetts Senior Action Council blames state lawmakers for not acting sooner to address the issue, saying they will face similar struggles in the future if their own taxes do not decrease.
Wu is being backed by some City Council members and labor unions, who held a press conference to show support for her proposal. However, Collins remains determined to work with Wu to deliver taxpayer relief while protecting small businesses and avoiding economic risk.
As the mayor's public push gains momentum, a personal feud between Wu and Collins appears to be escalating. Collins accused Wu of being either misinformed or misleading voters regarding donations he received from real estate developers, which she cited in her social media video.
Despite Wu's renewed push, prospects for her plan winning approval in the State House appear dimming. This is Wu's third attempt at passing a similar plan, which has faced significant opposition from business groups and fiscal watchdogs.
Wu's proposal would temporarily raise the cap on commercial property tax rates before gradually returning to the current formulation over several years. However, timing may be against her, as the City Council will soon vote on property tax rates and residential exemption amounts, a decision that must occur by December 1 to ensure timely billing.
The mayor is facing opposition from key allies, including Senate President Karen Spilka, who has highlighted alternative proposals from state senators Nick Collins and William Brownsberger. Collins accused Wu of playing politics and warned that her public push for the legislation last week indicates setting up a fight.
Business groups have offered mixed reactions, with some supporting Wu's plan while others warn that further punishing commercial properties would only exacerbate the issue. The Massachusetts Senior Action Council blames state lawmakers for not acting sooner to address the issue, saying they will face similar struggles in the future if their own taxes do not decrease.
Wu is being backed by some City Council members and labor unions, who held a press conference to show support for her proposal. However, Collins remains determined to work with Wu to deliver taxpayer relief while protecting small businesses and avoiding economic risk.
As the mayor's public push gains momentum, a personal feud between Wu and Collins appears to be escalating. Collins accused Wu of being either misinformed or misleading voters regarding donations he received from real estate developers, which she cited in her social media video.
What's next? A 30% increase on avocado toast prices?! 
Just kidding, but seriously, how many times can one mayor try to raise taxes before people start to think she's trying to become a tax collector herself? 
i mean like what's the big deal? it feels like politics getting really messy 
and can't we all just focus on figuring out how to make property taxes more fair for everyone instead of playing the blame game 
Michelle Wu's plan is gonna hit single-family homeowners hard and I don't think it's fair at all 
. Business groups are right to be skeptical too - they're the ones who have been footing the bill for Boston's services. Collins has a point about Wu being misleading, that's just not cool 
. And what's with all this drama between them? Can't they just work together for once? 
and man, have you tried that new ramen place? It's life-changing! I was thinking about it on my flight back and how it made me realize that we should totally make a food tour of Boston's neighborhoods - like, Korean in Canton, Italian in North End, etc. And can we talk about property taxes for a sec? Like, what's up with our politicians always finding ways to raise them? It feels like they're just trying to squeeze every last penny outta us... but then again, who doesn't love a good renovation project? I swear, it's like the city is one big fixer-upper 
. A 13% hike in property taxes is like, totally insane 
. And it's not just that - it's also the fact that some of these business groups and lawmakers are playing politics with our taxes 
.
. Those business groups are giving her a hard time, but I think she's got some heavy hitters in her corner 
. Labor unions are showing support, which could be a game-changer. But Collins... man, he's like the ultimate thorn in Wu's side 
. The state lawmakers are all over this too, with some saying they'll back a similar plan if Collins' doesn't fly 
And the Massachusetts Senior Action Council is straight-up blaming state lawmakers for not addressing the issue sooner... I get it, it's not ideal, but can't we just have a calm discussion about how to fix this? 
. I'm really torn here - part of me wants Wu to succeed, but another part is all like "wait, why can't we just work together?" 
! I'm hoping some of those state senators will step in and offer some alternative solutions. Maybe we can find a way to make this work without piling more burden on commercial properties 
.
. We need to make sure we're addressing the root of the issue, not just slapping a Band-Aid on it 
. Can we find another way? 