
Montgomery County eyes 6% property tax hike to fund schools
Montgomery County Executive Elrich proposes a roughly 6% increase to the property tax rate to bolster funding for MCPS as part of the county’s new budget plan.
All articles tagged with #property tax

Montgomery County Executive Elrich proposes a roughly 6% increase to the property tax rate to bolster funding for MCPS as part of the county’s new budget plan.

New York City Mayor Mamdani’s $127B budget leans on a Wall Street revenue boost, reserve draws, and a broad property tax hike, but critics from the IBO and Comptroller Levine warn that betting on ongoing Wall Street gains is risky and reserves shouldn’t be tapped; Moody’s has outlooked the city negative, signaling pressure to close gaps as Albany debates tax proposals and a tax reform push to address an unfair property tax system that would likely burden renters.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani proposed a 9.5% citywide property tax hike as a final measure to close about a $5.4 billion budget gap, potentially raiding reserves; the proposal would require City Council approval and faces swift opposition, while Gov. Hochul disputes the need for a property tax increase and has added roughly $1.5 billion in state funding to shrink the gap. Critics say the plan is inequitable and demand reform of the property tax system, with savings analyses due by March 20 as the city continues to grapple with a long-standing budget shortfall.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani unveils a $127 billion preliminary budget and floats raising city property taxes to cover a roughly $5.4 billion shortfall, a tactic aimed at pressuring Gov. Hochul to back higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy and corporations. The plan would draw on reserves and requires City Council support, while Hochul has shown limited appetite for property-tax increases; Albany approval would be needed for other wealth-based taxes.

The Massachusetts Senate advanced a targeted tax-relief bill to cushion homeowners from sharp residential tax hikes and rejected Mayor Michelle Wu’s plan to shift more tax burden onto commercial properties in Boston; the relief measure passed 37-1, while Wu’s amendment failed 33-5, setting the stage for House consideration amid ongoing tensions between Wu and Senate leadership.

In her 2026 Condition of the State, Gov. Kim Reynolds unveiled a broad property-tax relief plan to cap local revenue growth at 2% annually (with exceptions for new construction), plus senior tax relief, FirstHome Iowa savings accounts, and modernization of veterans’ benefits funded in part by expanded federal health programs for rural cancer care. The package also includes consolidation incentives, a move to triannual property assessments, limits on TIF use, and accelerated SAVE funding for tax relief, paired with a FY2027 budget of about $9.666 billion (≈2% more). She contrasted her plan with Senate and House proposals, touched on health, housing and immigration measures, and signaled ongoing fights over eminent domain in carbon-pipeline projects as she serves in her final term.

Two New Hampshire bills would tax second homes and unoccupied properties: a 0.75% levy on second homes valued at $500,000+ that would go to the local municipality, and a 'supplemental residence tax' requiring owners to pay the state the equivalent of their property tax if the home sits empty six months a year or is rented seasonally. Revenue projections range from about $15 million annually to more than $900 million, sparking debate over implementation and fairness; supporters say it could address housing and community funding needs while critics, including real estate and vacation rental interests, call it punitive. Gov. Ayotte and lawmakers say more housing units are needed and these measures will be reviewed in subcommittees.
With Gov. Ron DeSantis’ eight-year tenure ending, Florida’s closing legislative session looks likely to be messy as House–Senate clashes complicate an ambitious agenda: pushing a multibillion-dollar property-tax overhaul onto the November ballot, pursuing mid-decade redistricting in a special session, and advancing AI guardrails along with vaccine-mandate rollbacks—all of which could shape his legacy and his near-certain 2024 presidential bid amid a shifting GOP power dynamic.

Pittsburgh City Council approved a 20% property tax increase to address a $20-30 million budget shortfall, raising the millage rate from 8.06 to 9.67, amidst opposition from some council members and residents who criticized the hike and suggested alternative revenue sources like taxing nonprofits.

Texas voters approved measures to increase the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, providing property tax relief to homeowners, especially seniors and disabled residents, and also approved an exemption for business inventory, aiming to reduce overall property tax burdens in the state.

Ann Arbor officials found no evidence that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook violated property tax rules or engaged in mortgage fraud related to her homes, despite political efforts to remove her from the Fed board. Cook's property records and mortgage disclosures do not support allegations of wrongdoing, and her legal team denies any misconduct, highlighting the political nature of the accusations.

Rhode Island has introduced a new tax targeting luxury second homes valued over $1 million that are unoccupied for more than half the year, which will significantly increase the property tax bill for Taylor Swift's $28 million estate, adding approximately $136,000 annually. The law aims to fund local services but has faced criticism for penalizing wealthy homeowners and potentially discouraging luxury tourism.

Ukrainian President Zelensky attended a White House summit with Donald Trump, with headlines highlighting his change in attire and the positive tone of the talks, which focused on security aid for Ukraine. The summit's coverage also includes discussions on potential new property taxes in the UK, ongoing Ukraine conflict tensions, and political developments in the UK, all amid a backdrop of international and domestic political maneuvering.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has delayed the final vote on the 2025 budget to Monday, as his proposal, which includes a $68.5 million property tax hike and other fee increases, lacks sufficient support in the City Council. The budget aims to address a $982 million spending gap but has faced opposition due to its tax hikes. Johnson's administration must pass a budget by the end of the year to avoid financial disruptions, but some alderpeople are pushing for workforce cuts instead of tax increases.

Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to delay the vote on Chicago's $17.3 billion 2025 budget due to insufficient support in the City Council, risking a potential city government shutdown. The budget proposal includes a $68.5 million property tax increase and additional taxes and fees totaling $165.5 million, but fails to address a $337.4 million budget gap. Johnson's approach has faced criticism from both progressive and conservative council members, and if a budget deal isn't reached by December 31, the city could face an unprecedented crisis.