At a time when residents’ property taxes and rents are increasing exponentially, it’s more important than ever to mitigate rising costs of living for homeowners and renters. I support (i) reducing the City’s reliance on flat-rate fees, such as those on utility bills that disproportionately impact lower-income families; (ii) cutting unnecessary expenses, such as Council’s recent increases in their own budgets; (iii) establishing longer-term budget planning and building up reserves to avoid future tax increases; and (iv) raising the homestead exemption for seniors and persons with disabilities.