Denver Mayor Launches Middle-Income Housing Tax Break Pilot

Several U.S. cities are implementing property tax incentives to address housing affordability and stimulate development for low- and middle-income residents. Denver has launched a pilot program offering property and sales tax exemptions on construction costs for up to five projects targeting households earning 60-100% of the area median income, requiring deed restrictions to maintain affordability for 30 years and granting the Denver Housing Authority a small ownership stake. Worcester officials are exploring property tax relief for landlords who keep rents affordable, aiming to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing amid a trend of rising rents and loss of low-cost units. These initiatives reflect a broader policy approach favoring incentives over mandates like Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning, which some experts criticize as inefficient. Such tax incentives encourage developers to produce rent-restricted housing, supporting both renters and taxpayers by expanding affordable housing stock. Meanwhile, tax exemption programs remain under consideration in other municipalities, including Lancaster, where officials are evaluating earned income tax exemptions for very low-income residents to provide financial relief.