Targeted Tax Relief Program

At a glance

What: A newly established targeted property tax relief program to assist eligible low-income elderly or disabled homeowners. Aims at groups such as veterans, seniors, blind residents and people with disabilities.
Status: Program established with $1 million initial funding. Applications opened October 13, 2026; close November 13, 2026, with individual application reviews beginning November 20.
Funding method: Initially funded by voluntary donations through Mayor Sarno's initiative (~$1M as of Oct 13); also possible funding from Cannabis Stabilization Fund pending Council order and ordinance changes with mayor and Law Department approval.
Outreach: Discussion at Oct 20 Tax Rate Committee on increasing public awareness through neighborhood councils, libraries, community outreach. Oct 13 Finance Committee discussed assessor's office mailer inviting donations; residents can also send check marked for program.

Established by Mayor Sarno.
Councilor Fenton reported at Oct 5 Council meeting that Special Committee on Targeted Tax Relief has been meeting regularly; applications distributing.
Available exemptions for qualifying seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, residents with disabilities, plus state Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.
General property tax relief worth roughly $15 per million dollars of levy reduction but eroded by rising property values; targeted relief more direct.
Uses for cannabis fund money would require Council order change and coordination with mayor.

2026-10-05 - City Council (Council report)
2026-10-13 - Finance Committee (auto-captions)
2026-10-05 - City Council - Application terms due this week, applications next week, deadline around mid-November; a councillor asked to explore cannabis funds.
2026-10-20 - Finance Committee (minutes)

About 6 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).

Meeting	Minutes
2026-10-13 - Finance Committee	6

2026-10-13 - Finance Committee - Councilors discussed funding options and outreach; no vote.