Detroit Program Would Offer Property Tax Relief to Low-Income Homeowners

The Pay As You Stay program would lower back taxes for qualifying homeowners and help them avoid foreclosure.

1 minute read

October 17, 2019, 11:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Wild Detroit

"A new program backed by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree could offer significant relief to impoverished Detroiters who owe back taxes," reports Nancy Kaffer.

The Pay As You Stay program would reduce back taxes for homeowners who qualify for a state-mandated poverty exemption. "[The program] would wipe out fees and interest associated with the back-tax debt for qualifying homeowners, and cap the amount of taxes owed at 10% of the home's taxable value, about half the home's market value," says Kaffer.

She notes that foreclosures have hit Detroit hard in recent years. In addition, about 90 percent of homeowners owing back taxes should have qualified for poverty exemptions. Under the Pay As You Stay program, the exemption will not be applied retroactively, but city officials hope the prospect of lower tax bills will encourage people to apply for the exemption in the future. The plan proposal will now move on to the state legislature.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 in Detroit Free Press

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

White three-story brick single-room occupancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis

SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.

March 22, 2024 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

Red public transit bus in Bangalore, India.

Indian States Give Women Free Bus Passes

The programs are part of an initiative aimed at helping more women join the workforce and improving access to basic needs.

25 minutes ago - Next City

Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota skylinw with stone arched brige in foreground.

Study: How to Revitalize Downtown Minneapolis

A proposal calls for a reevaluation of the city’s skyways, a focus on street-facing businesses, and an improved public realm.

1 hour ago - Minneapolis Post

Aerial view of Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with freeway interchanges in foreground at night.

Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion

Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.

2 hours ago - Spectrum News 1

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.