Where Are We?

Underfunding, rising costs, the failed 2024 override, and an inflexible budget led to $6 million in cuts from schools and essential services.
Despite the inclusion of 85% of the city's maximum allowable free cash flow into the budget, without action, deeper cuts will follow.

Over 90% of the city’s tax revenue comes from residential properties, placing an unsustainable burden on working families.
This lack of revenue diversification creates concentration risk, threatening the city’s long-term financial stability.

Ideas I Support

Nobody likes to pay more taxes. However, this is our unfortunate reality. It's a necessary measure to close our budget gap, stabilize our city finances, and fund our schools.

However, overrides must not become a routine solution; rather be used as a last resort when other revenue options and cost-efficiency strategies have been exhausted.

We must focus on long-term financial planning as the main tool to economic development.

Building on Mayor Jen's Financial Task Force, a nonpartisan advisory group composed of local volunteer experts, with a dual mandate inspired by the work of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Review city finances while also digitally gather neighborhood-level feedback—from residents and businesses—regarding employment, wages, and wider economic pressures.

Findings to advise elected officials by providing regular, holistic recommendations, supporting discussions around budgeting, city development, and other ancillary policies.

In close collaboration with the Board of Financial Planning, elected officials can work together to develop a transparent, sustainable, and long-term financial resiliency plan that reflects the needs and priorities of our city.

This effort will include identifying new revenue streams to enhance diversification—such as public funding, public-private partnerships, collaborations with neighboring cities, and city development—while also finding opportunities to improve efficiency in city spending.

By grounding our decisions in data and community input, we can build a stable financial foundation that is also inclusive and informational strengthening public trust.

Support city fairs, sidewalk sales, and similar events that showcase Melrose, attract visitors, and boost local sales.
Allow outdoor seating during warmer months to help restaurants and coffee shops to draw more customers and create livelier streets.
Explore public-private partnerships with event management companies to improve event planning and promotion without added city costs.

Many long-term residents in our community, who have contributed to the fabric of our neighborhoods, are being forced to sell their homes—not by choice, but because they can no longer afford the rising costs of living, particularly the burden of increasing real estate taxes.

We can further support the implementation of the new state law allowing for the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units within single-family homes. These annexed units make it easier for multigenerational families to live together.

By accelerating this policy, we can ease financial pressure on long-term homeowners, support family cohesion, and create more flexible housing options.

Prioritize the use of public infrastructure grants and other dedicated funding sources—ensuring we fully tap into available funds for repairs, upgrades, and modernization before turning to local borrowing or new taxes.
Carefully assess the long-term costs of grant-funded projects, including potential staffing or maintenance obligations, to ensure the city can sustainably support what it builds.

Consolidate existing savings accounts and increase contributions by allocating larger cash surpluses and dedicating specific revenue streams for long-term financial stability.
Establish a broader “rainy day” reserve fund that can support any part of the city budget, providing flexibility and resilience in times of economic stress or unforeseen events.
Implement passive investment strategies to grow the fund’s assets over time, creating a financial cushion that protects future generations and reduces reliance on emergency tax overrides.