Baltimore Proposes Tax Hike with State Redevelopment Aid

Baltimore City Council has introduced a bill to tackle the vacant housing crisis by significantly increasing property taxes on vacant homes, which could triple in the first year and quadruple subsequently, aiming to encourage owners to address the issue. This initiative, supported unanimously by council members, aligns with a broader strategy involving a $1 billion investment from Maryland’s state government to transform 5,000 vacant properties into productive uses over 15 years. In contrast, Houston City Council members are divided over a proposed 6% property tax increase to address a budget shortfall and disaster recovery costs, facing opposition from Mayor John Whitmire who prefers no tax rate change. Meanwhile, a different city council is considering amendments to facilitate rehabilitation projects by reducing associated fees and forgiving liens to stimulate redevelopment of condemned properties. The proposed ordinance includes a sunset clause for periodic review, emphasizing a balanced approach to urban revitalization. These measures reflect a growing trend in urban policy to leverage fiscal tools for community development and infrastructure improvements.