Boston Mayor Proposes New Property Tax Relief Plan

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has reintroduced her proposal to shift more of the property tax burden from homeowners to commercial property owners, following the failure of her previous attempt in the state Senate. The refiled petition, which includes provisions for residential tax rebates and increased exemptions for small businesses and seniors, seeks to address the significant tax increases homeowners are facing. Despite approval from the Boston City Council and the House of Representatives, the proposal was previously blocked in the Senate by procedural delays from Senator Nick Collins. Wu argues that the tax increase, the largest since 2007, is a significant burden on residents and urges stakeholders to reconsider the compromise to provide balanced relief. The new proposal, which has already been backed by the City Council, must now pass through legislative approval again, with Wu emphasizing the urgency as tax bills have already impacted residents. The stakes are high for Wu, who is also preparing for her re-election campaign.