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Declining property tax collection may hit city budgets

Nov 15, 2022
Seattle recently had to redraw its budget after forecasting a $27 million drop in revenue from one real estate tax.
The San Francisco skyline. The city's chief economist Ted Egan said he's increasingly worried about a drop in property tax revenue.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on rebuilding trust between the city and its people

Lightfoot wants to "unwind" Chicago's "addiction to fines and fees" so as to not drive people into bankruptcy and out of the economy.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

City finances are in trouble. Next year could be worse.

Aug 13, 2020
A new report from the National League of Cities finds that local governments are seeing big drops in revenue.
The nearly empty streets of New York City in May. City budgets, which fund local infrastructure and services, have been slammed during the pandemic.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

What it means to defund police

Jun 8, 2020
Minneapolis City Council members want to dismantle the Police Department. So what kind of service could take its place?
Minnesota State Patrol officers block a road during protests in Minneapolis.
Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images