# North American municipal property tax hikes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-american-municipal-property-tax-hikes
> Updated: 2026-08-27T06:25:15.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 4.

In July 2026, Edmonton City Council approved a 6.9% increase in municipal property tax to fund population‑driven infrastructure needs, while Windsor, Michigan’s Town Council adopted a modest real‑estate tax rise of one cent per $100 of assessed value to offset higher utility costs.

Following these developments, the El Paso City Council initially voted 5–3 to propose an ordinance for a voter‑approval property tax rate of 80.9 cents per $100 of assessed value. This 7.5% increase was intended to address a $7 million shortfall in property‑tax revenue caused by state exemptions and to fund a $665 million general fund, with 57% of those funds earmarked for public safety.

By mid-August 2026, the El Paso City Council shifted its approach, adopting a $658.6 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2027. In a 6–2 vote, the council set a tax rate of 79.8 cents per $100 of property valuation, a slight reduction from earlier recommendations. This finalized rate is expected to increase the average homeowner’s annual tax bill by approximately $105. The budget decision faced opposition from City Representatives Lily Limón and Cynthia Boyar Trejo; Limón specifically cited disapproval regarding 15% pay raises for council members permitted by the City Charter.

By late August, the budget process was characterized by debate and discord. Mayor Renard Johnson emphasized that passing the annual budget was necessary to ensure continued city operations, particularly as residents face a difficult economic environment marked by rising costs for housing, utilities, and basic goods. The council’s struggle to reach a majority on initial attempts reflected ongoing political divisions regarding fiscal management.

These actions reflect a broader mid-2026 trend among North American municipalities to utilize property tax adjustments to manage budget shortfalls and rising operational costs.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: El Paso faces property tax increase after divided council budget clash

El Paso faces a potential property tax increase following a divided City Council budget meeting marked by political discord and rising living costs for residents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-paso-faces-property-tax-increase-after-divided-council-budget-clash

### 2026-08-17: El Paso City Council adopts $658.6 million budget and tax increase

The El Paso City Council approved a $658.6 million budget and a tax rate that will increase average property tax bills by about $105.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-paso-city-council-adopts-6586-million-budget-and-tax-increase

### 2026-08-04: El Paso City Council proposes $132 annual property tax hike

El Paso City Council voted 5‑3 to adopt a property tax rate that would raise average home bills by about $132 annually, funding a $665 million general fund and a $1.4 billion city budget.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-paso-city-council-proposes-132-annual-property-tax-hike

### 2026-07-17: Edmonton and Windsor City Councils Approve Property Tax Increases for 2026

Edmonton approved a 6.9% property tax hike for 2026, while Windsor, MI adopted a modest 1‑cent real‑estate tax increase for 2026‑27, trimming the previously proposed rise.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edmonton-and-windsor-city-councils-approve-property-tax-increases-for-2026

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Cite as: North American municipal property tax hikes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-american-municipal-property-tax-hikes