The City of Trenton carries the highest property tax rate in Mercer County. This severely impacts Trenton homeowners, renters, and small businesses, making it harder for families to stay and even harder for the city to attract new investment. State leadership plays an important role, and our new gov ernor has a real opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the state and our city. As the hub of state government, Trenton hosts a significant amount of state-owned, tax-exempt property, including office buildings, parking facilities, and infrastructure that serve residents across New Jersey. While these assets benefit the state as a whole, the fiscal impact is felt locally and contributes directly to Trenton’s elevated tax rate. If elected to Trenton City Council, I will work collaboratively with municipal and state leaders to help close this tax rate gap and create new opportunities for growth in our city. First, I will urge Gov. Sherrill to support targeted state tax incentives that encourage businesses to locate in Trenton – particularly downtown and near transit. These incentives could help offset the city’s tax burden, attract jobs, and grow long-term revenue without shifting additional costs onto Trenton residents. Second, I will advocate for a coordinated approach to activating underutilized state-owned land. Surface parking lots and outdated office space downtown and along the waterfront present real opportunities for housing, retail, and modern workspaces. This type of redevelopment would strengthen Trenton’s core, support small businesses, and expand the local tax base. Finally, I will work with state and local partners to modernize Trenton’s fiscal relationship with New Jersey. While the city continues to rely on transitional aid and operate under state oversight, there is room for a more flexible, forward-looking framework. One that includes stronger capital city aid and gives Trenton greater ability to plan and invest in our future. Reducing Trenton’s tax burden won’t happen overnight, but I’m committed on doing the work to relieve homeowners from carrying such a heavy load through a stronger partnership between Trenton and the State of New Jersey. A stronger Trenton. A stronger New Jersey. ...read more read less