NYC Lawmakers Urge Homeowners to Speak Out Against Property Tax Hike

State Senator and Assemblywoman hold community briefing on impact of proposed 9.5% increase

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Following New York City Mayor Mamdani's proposal to raise property taxes by 9.5%, State Senator Steve Chan and State Assemblywoman Lester Chang recently held a community briefing in Brooklyn's Chinese community to discuss the impact of the city's fiscal policies on middle-class and fixed-income families. Participants urged the community to continue speaking out against passing on the fiscal shortfall to low- and middle-income homeowners before the tax increase is finalized.

Why it matters

The proposed property tax hike would disproportionately impact low- and middle-income homeowners in New York City, many of whom are already struggling with the high cost of living. Community leaders are mobilizing residents to voice their concerns and push back against the tax increase.

The details

At the community briefing, State Senator Chan and Assemblywoman Chang outlined the city's budget challenges and the mayor's proposal to raise property taxes by 9.5% to help address the fiscal shortfall. Attendees, including local residents Chen Xueli and Zheng Yongjia, expressed concerns that the tax increase would place an undue burden on middle-class and fixed-income families, many of whom are still recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

  • Mayor Mamdani proposed the 9.5% property tax increase in February 2026.
  • The community briefing hosted by State Senator Chan and Assemblywoman Chang was held in late February 2026.

The players

Mayor Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has proposed a 9.5% increase in property taxes.

State Senator Steve Chan

A state senator representing a district in Brooklyn who held a community briefing to discuss the impact of the proposed property tax hike.

State Assemblywoman Lester Chang

A state assemblywoman representing a district in Brooklyn who held a community briefing to discuss the impact of the proposed property tax hike.

Chen Xueli

A local resident who attended the community briefing and expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed property tax increase on middle-class and fixed-income families.

Zheng Yongjia

A local resident who attended the community briefing and expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed property tax increase on middle-class and fixed-income families.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let the city balance its budget on the backs of low- and middle-income homeowners. This tax increase will be devastating for families who are already struggling.”

— Chen Xueli (Ground News)

“The mayor needs to hear from our community and understand the real-world impacts of this proposal. We urge all homeowners to speak out and make their voices heard.”

— Zheng Yongjia (Ground News)

What’s next

The city council is expected to hold public hearings on the proposed property tax increase in the coming weeks, giving residents an opportunity to provide feedback before a final decision is made.

The takeaway

This proposed property tax hike highlights the ongoing challenges faced by low- and middle-income homeowners in New York City, who are increasingly being squeezed by the high cost of living. Community leaders are mobilizing residents to advocate for more equitable fiscal policies that don't disproportionately burden vulnerable populations.