Wu, Kraft Spar Over Office Valuations
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and challenger Josh Kraft sparred over the latest report predicting a steep decline in office valuations and the implications for the city’s fiscal health.
Boston Wins Top Bond Rating as Questions Surround Downtown Property Values
Both Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global said office tower values could fall further, but many homeowners can afford to pick up the slack in city property tax collections.
O’Brien Decides Against Mayoral Run
His abrupt reversal comes after his entry into the race was all but assured last week, and leaves the field to Mayor Michelle Wu and other challengers hoping to topple the first-term incumbent.
Wu Pledges Office Conversion Expansion
The city will also launch its first-ever anti-displacement program, Mayor Michelle Wu said during her annual State of the City address.
Beacon Hill Shows No Urgency on Boston Tax Package
The senator who last year was one of the most vocal opponents of a Boston Mayor Michelle Wu plan to shift property taxes more onto commercial payers said he is friendlier to parts of a new-filed tax relief package meant to temper residential tax spikes through a plan tied to rebates.
Boston City Hall Gets Protection as Latest Historic Landmark
It’s massive, it’s divisive, but no matter what you think of it, it’s undeniably emblematic of a key moment in city history. And now, Boston City Hall has the historic landmark designation to prove it.
Wu Hits Out Over Tax Deal’s Collapse
“We don’t have time at the city level to play games,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” on Wednesday.
Spilka Confirms Boston Tax Bill’s Dead
Despite compromises struck between the city and stakeholders, Spilka said she has “heard clearly that there currently is not sufficient support for this proposal.”
Mayor’s Tax Plan Hits Wall in Senate as Top Dem Calls Time
Sen. William Brownsberger, who represents parts of Boston and is the number-three Democrat in the Senate, called for the bill to be laid aside and for Boston to finalize its property tax rates without any shift.
Biz Groups Waver on Boston Tax Deal
Business organizations urged Beacon Hill legislators to pause approval of a new property tax structure raising rates on commercial properties in Boston following the release of new assessment data.
New Data Shows Boston Homeowners Face Smaller Tax Increase
A Boston senator delayed action on a controversial home rule petition for the second time this week, pushing consideration off after new data emerged about the city’s property tax outlook.
Senate Must Act by Monday on Tax Rate Deal, Boston Says
Boston City Hall’s assessing chief on Tuesday voiced an ever-tightening timeline for Beacon Hill to act on the city’s property tax plan, while also declining to share data that some skeptical officials have said could be key to moving the needle on the controversial bill.
Boston Tax Bill Delayed Amid Fears Towns Could Copy City’s Ask
A senator from South Boston delayed action Monday on a controversial, time-sensitive Boston property tax reclassification bill, which is now on ice until after the deadline for action recommended by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
House Vote Sends Boston Tax Bill to Senate
The House of Representatives on Monday approved the city of Boston’s request to temporarily reconfigure the way it splits property taxes between commercial and residential taxpayers.
Panels Give OK to Wu Tax Deal as Mayor Defends City Budget Jump
Back at the State House seeking approval for a time-sensitive plan to temporarily alter the division of property tax burden between commercial and residential owners, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu found herself Wednesday explaining and defending her administration’s approach to budgeting.
State to Match $110M Boston Housing Accelerator Fund
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Tuesday announced that a planned housing accelerator fund for investing in housing developments will grow in size.
Notable Biz Groups Absent from Deal on Boston Tax Rate Hikes
Next time it may not be so easy for Boston’s mayor. And given current market trends, not only will there almost certainly be a next time, and it won’t be long in coming, either.
City Council Backs Boston Property Tax Deal
The deal between Mayor Michelle Wu and four business groups will see commercial property tax rates rise, but not by as much as previously feared.
Flynn Derails Vote on Boston Property Tax Deal as Deadline Looms
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn dramatically scuppered attempts to bring a last-minute compromise on city commercial property tax rates up for a vote Wednesday afternoon. Councilors plan to meet Friday to take another vote.
Wu, Biz Groups Announce Deal on Tax Fracas
Boston commercial property tax rates will be going up next year to help ease homeowners’ tax bills, but not by as much and not for as long as business groups had originally feared.
