Correcting that broken system required significant, painful budget shifts. The 57% property tax increase over this term was a one-time correction to right the ship, and it is absolutely not sustainable to continue. Our long-term financial plans show these rates leveling out now that the hard work of stabilizing our foundation is done.
The results of that shift are clear. We stopped a system of reverse socialism that diverted public resources to give the largest tax discounts to our wealthiest landowners, big-box stores, and corporate landlords. Instead, we redirected those developer funds into tangible community investments.
By doubling our sidewalk infill budget, we fast-tracked safe routes for our kids around Millstream, Happy Valley, SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ, Ruth King, Spencer, Savory, and Lakewood schools. We also locked in the plans to finish major upcoming corridors on Glen Lake Road to Belmont Secondary and Goldstream East to Spencer Middle School.
True fiscal management means choosing transparency over illusion, progressivity over corporate subsidies, and building a safe city for every family. Watch the video above to see exactly how we fixed the foundation and where your tax dollars went.