Public Meeting "Taxing nonprofits to balance the budget?" - Madison

What: Brown bag luncheon to discuss the City of Madison’s efforts to assess property taxes to non-profit housing providers such as Housing Initiatives, Moving Out, Porchlight, and many others, including services to the elderly, people with disabilities, and some faith communities that own rental property

The Assessor and City Attorney are in the process of completing reports on the low-income housing issue, pursuant to the direction of the Common Council at the last meeting. The City Attorney and his staff are making themselves available to answer any questions alders may have on the reports, or otherwise on the low income housing tax exemption claims.

Earlier this week Dean Loumos of Housing Initiatives mentioned that they would be looking at a $70,000 property tax bill to the City of Madison if Madison pursues this, and if the state legislature fails to act to address this issue. I have attached some background material for you, the Capital Times also did a piece on this in their March 11-17 edition. If this happens in Madison we will see a reduction in housing services to our homeless community members, and a potential Pandora’s box as cities around the state seek to balance their budgets once again on the backs of the poor and disenfranchised.

Where: Mayor's Conference Room, Madison City-County Building, MLK Jr Blvd.

The Mayor's conference room only holds about 20 people so get there early and you will need to be buzzed in and escorted to the room. Newly elected Alder persons were not specifically notified of this meeting

Cost: free

For more info: Michael May, Madison City Attorney at (608) 266-4511.