The December 2025 news cycle saw the return of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's controversial tax shift proposal after it was rejected by the Massachusetts Senate during the previous year.SPOA remains deeply concerned about the effect this bill would have on small businesses in Boston and throughout Massachusetts, while eroding a key provision of Proposition 2 ½, which protects all of us from over-taxation.Instead of trimming her budget for efficiency, Mayor Wu wants to impose a tax increase on Boston property owners when they can least afford it — especially owners in the commercial sector who have dealt with empty and struggling office buildings. By exempting the tax safeguards established under Proposition 2 ½, other communities outside of Boston will likely rush to the legislature to ask for the same exemption. How soon will it be before Cambridge, Somerville, and other cities and towns demand the same deal? This poses a major threat to all property owners in our state, whether they own property in Boston or other parts of Massachusetts. There is still time to make your voices heard, if you have not done so already. You can contact your state senators and representatives to express your concerns by using the following link:
Find Your Legislator
SPOA's advocacy on this issue has also been covered by several news outlets, including but not limited to State House News Service, Boston Herald, The Boston Globe, WGBH News, and Masslive. You can find links to these news articles below.
State House News Service: Frustration builds over stalled property tax solutions
Boston Herald: Boston Mayor Wu’s tax battle intensifies ahead of City Council vote to set residential tax hike at 13%
Boston.com: Wu doubles down on tax proposal as prospects of success dwindle
GBH News: Wu re-ups push for controversial tax proposal
Masslive: Boston property tax changes stall in Mass. Senate again as Wu seeks relief for homeowners
SPOA Newsletter: Why Wu Tax Plan Misses the Mark: Spending Discipline Is the Clear Way To Affordability
This effort demonstrates our continued commitment to defend property rights in the press, in addition to our advocacy against rent control and other policy proposals that endanger small business owners and our communities. Please consider sending us a generous donation today so that we can continue fighting for the greater good, while bringing much needed balance to the discourse!
by Allison Drescher and Amir Shahsavari