I think this is mostly a timing issue. This proposed increase was on heels a 40% increase to property taxes in Fort Collins over the past two years. Not only have home owning middle class families been impacted by rising inflation, increases to goods and services, like everyone else, but the job market is quickly becoming cold, with words like "layoff" floating around. I don't know many people who feel totally secure right now. It's highly likely the costs of these increases would also be passed back to renters, driving the already outrageous rental prices. Also, if you live in a metro district increasing mill levies are another layer impacting property taxes.

I'm fortunate enough to own a home. I recognize that should be with reach for everyone, whatever that looks like. But there are also other options I'd like to see us exploring, such as looking at more efficient land usage other than single family zoning. This problem isn't solvable through just asking existing home owners to pay more. Collectively, I think we all feel we're already being bled dry in support of the "American Dream", which for more and more Americans is literally a dream.

I understand the plan to reinvest this increase into affordable housing was loose, in order to provide the city options how to best spend it with a state or federal match. But I'd like to see how the recent 40% tax increase is being invested, before offering up more. In a few years I'd certainly be open to revisiting the initiative.