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Wu Escalates Push as Boston Homeowners Face 13% Tax Hike While Senate Blocks Tax-Shift Bill

State-certified assessments confirm a split that forces a quick decision before the City Council sets rates this week.

Overview

  • Boston now projects the average single-family homeowner will see a 13% property tax increase, or about $780, unless state legislation allowing a temporary tax shift advances.
  • The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has certified fiscal 2026 valuations showing residential values up 2% and commercial values down 6%, deepening the burden shift onto homeowners.
  • Key senators, including Nick Collins and Will Brownsberger, oppose the proposal and the bill has not been admitted for a Senate hearing, despite past House support.
  • With bills due to be printed by Jan. 1, the City Council is expected this week to set the maximum residential exemption and split, with projected rates of $12.40 per $1,000 for residential and $26.96 for commercial.
  • Wu has intensified public pressure with outreach and union backing, while some business groups that supported a compromise last fall have withdrawn support after new valuation data.