A New Fiscal Vision for North Adams: Easing the Taxpayer Burden

My plan includes:

• Expanding PILOT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) Programs: We will actively engage with non-profit organizations and other large property owners to establish fair and equitable PILOT agreements, ensuring they contribute to the city services they utilize.

• Aggressive Grant Development: My team will prioritize and strategically pursue every available state and federal grant opportunity. We'll identify funding for infrastructure improvements, economic development, social programs, and more, bringing essential resources into our community.

• Strategic Regionalization: We will explore opportunities for regional collaboration on services where it makes financial sense. By working with neighboring communities, we can achieve economies of scale, reduce duplication, and lower costs for North Adams taxpayers.

• Evaluating City-Owned and Taxpayer-Subsidized Operations: We will conduct a thorough review of all city-owned and taxpayer-subsidized operations. Where appropriate and beneficial for the long-term financial health of our city, we will consider sales or alternative management structures to reduce ongoing taxpayer liabilities and generate new revenue.

North Adams deserves a sustainable financial future. By diversifying our revenue streams and strategically managing our assets, we can revitalize our city, improve our infrastructure, and build a vibrant community for generations to come, all while providing much-needed relief to our taxpayers.