Property Tax Cut Among Proposals In Pugh's State Of The City

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, in her annual State of the City address, proposed a property tax cut.

She said that for fiscal year 2020, she would fulfill former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's commitment to reduce the effective tax rate for owner-occupied residences.

"I assure you Baltimore that we intend to be aggressive and financially responsible at the same time as we pursue other property tax reduction opportunities to make Baltimore more competitive with its surrounding jurisdictions," Pugh said.

The original initiative brought the rate down to $2.048. Pugh said she wants to bring it down another five cents to $1.998.

Read the full remarks as prepared for delivery.

Pugh also talked about crime reduction, police reform, education, neighborhood investment, economic development and next year's U.S. Census. The Census is key to setting federal and state funding levels. The 2010 Census had a 68 percent participation rate in the same.

"The U.S. Census Director recently said to me that he’s committed to jumping into our Aquarium pool if we get to 70 percent. Let’s make that happen!"

The late William Donald Schaefer famously took a dip in the seal pool there at the grand opening of the National Aquarium in 1981, making good on his wager after it opened later than planned.

She also championed the Preakness, and the need, she said, to keep the Triple Crown race in Baltimore.

"I say to the State and owners of the track, work with us and we will work with you," Pugh said. "Partnerships matter, and the Preakness matters to Baltimore!"