Wu doubles down on tax proposal as prospects of success dwindle

"Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is going all out in her efforts to push legislation in the State House that would shift more of the city's tax burden onto commercial real estate. This is needed to prevent residential property owners from seeing significant tax spikes in the new year, Wu says. But despite Wu's efforts, the prospects of her plan winning approval on Beacon Hill appear to be dimming considerably."

"That changed last week. Warning that the average single-family homeowner in Boston is set to see a 13% hike in their property taxes beginning in January, Wu publicly called on business groups to affirm their support for the plan and began speaking about it more frequently during media appearances. Wu leaned in even more over the past few days. She hosted an "ask me anything" thread on Reddit, her first as mayor, to go through the plan's details."

Mayor Michelle Wu is intensifying efforts at the State House to move more of Boston's tax burden onto commercial real estate to avert large residential tax hikes. The plan aims to prevent an average 13% property tax increase for single-family homeowners starting in January. The proposal previously passed the City Council and cleared the House twice but failed in the Senate. Wu has increased public outreach, using a Reddit Q&A and explainer videos, and has urged business groups and residents to contact state lawmakers. Senate leaders have promoted alternative tax relief proposals, reducing the plan's chances on Beacon Hill.

Read at Boston.com