Council denies tax exemption for affordable housing properties

Returning Councilman Jeremy Salvage, standing from left, returning Mayor Ken Jackola, and newly elected councilmen David McClain and Dominic Conti are sworn in for the new City Council term. Photos by Sarah Brown

After some discussion, the City Council turned down an ordinance proposal that would have allowed nonprofit organizations supporting low-income housing to acquire property tax exemptions.

During its Jan. 8 meeting, the council reviewed what was initially a request by Crossroads Communities last year that would allow nonprofit affordable housing projects to receive property tax exemptions, which would allow the organizations to help keep rent and other costs low.

Community Development Director Kelly Hart mentioned there…