Phoenix Mayor Vows To Fight State Bill Targeting Roosevelt Row
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Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is upset over a bill recently signed by Governor Doug Ducey that could block a new business district on Roosevelt Row.
Stanton has called for an executive session so the city council can discuss legal options to try to stop the bill from becoming state law.
HB2440 changes the requirements needed to form business improvement districts where land owners pay higher property taxes for extra city services. Current law prevents such a district if more than half of the area's property owners submit a protest.
The new law would require a petition of support signed by more than half of land owners, based on their property values.
It would apply retroactively to include the Roosevelt Row district approved by Phoenix council members earlier this year.
A spokesperson from the governor's office replied to a request for comment via email, saying, "This legislation gives property owners a voice in decisions that affect their taxes, and prevents government from imposing a tax increase against the will of the people."
