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Arizona Cities Will Pay a Price for Ignoring Homelessness

November 25, 2024

Residents can apply for property-tax refunds when officials refuse to enforce public-nuisance laws.

Amid the excitement of this year’s elections, something profound happened in Arizona that could change how cities across the country address homelessness.

Arizona voters overwhelmingly adopted Proposition 312, a first-of-its-kind law that requires local governments to compensate property and business owners for damage created by the homelessness crisis plaguing many cities. Approved by nearly 60% of voters, the measure holds government officials accountable for refusing to enforce laws against crimes related to homelessness, including vandalism, public urination and drug use.

For too long, municipalities have gotten away with taxing residents indiscriminately and not providing the public-safety services those taxes are supposed to fund. Proposition 312 provides a simple mechanism for residents to get their tax dollars back when the government fails in its most basic duties.

Read the rest of the op-ed in Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Riches is president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, which designed Proposition 312.

 

 

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