Pittsburgh region enjoys healthy dose of 'brain gain'

[trackstar13]

Originally Posted by UKyank

When you don't reassess properties with any regularity then you only capture a portion revenue from the higher property values, namely just new construction (which itself is often tax abated) or recent purchases which is a problem here.

This and more properties being taken off the tax rolls as they are being purchased by both small and major non-profits. Pittsburgh needs population growth to go along with the "Brain Gain" or revenue issues will be a real problem. The only alternative would be a major overhaul of the assessment system, which I think many on this forum have debated to death and I am not sure I see that happening anytime soon.

[tyovan4]

Originally Posted by trackstar13

The city has even tried and failed to tax UPMC.

UPMC, city drop legal fight over taxes | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The City didn't fail.
Peduto unilaterally withdrew the lawsuit. And then things have completely fallen off of the radar and the local excuse for the Fourth Estate has given the Great Progressive a free pass. It's been a year, and still no Payment In Lieu Of Taxes..

"Negotiating is tough with “guns pointed at each others’ heads,” Mayor Bill Peduto said.".. So now he's on to his next smoke and mirrors campaign of attention seeking behavior by pointing a gun at the ICA's head.

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by trackstar13

This and more properties being taken off the tax rolls as they are being purchased by both small and major non-profits. Pittsburgh needs population growth to go along with the "Brain Gain" or revenue issues will be a real problem. The only alternative would be a major overhaul of the assessment system, which I think many on this forum have debated to death and I am not sure I see that happening anytime soon.

Another alternative would be income tax. Though that's a tough sell with us already having the 2% PPS tax.