Respecting every tax dollar while keeping Halifax livable for residents.
Residents are feeling the pressure of rising costs - from housing to everyday expenses.
Mayor Fillmore's approach to affordability starts with a clear principle: government must respect every tax dollar and stay focused on delivering core services residents rely on most.
That means making responsible financial decisions, improving efficiency, and ensuring that municipal spending delivers real value for residents. It also means using data and technology to streamline operations and reduce unnecessary costs.
Affordable isn't a standalone issue - it's connected to housing, transportation, and how the region plans for growth. By focusing on practical solutions and disciplined decision-making, the goal is to keep Halifax accessible for people at every stage of life.
Here's how Mayor Fillmore is turning priorities into action - and what it means for residents.
Making disciplined decisions on behalf of taxpayers.
→ More stability and predictability for residents.
- Maintained a flat municipal tax rate during rising cost pressures.
- Set clear direction for future budgets to reduce the financial burden on residents.
- Prioritizing core services over unnecessary spending.
Cutting inefficiencies and focusing on what matters to residents.
→ Better services without putting more pressure on taxpayers
- Launched a service review to focus on delivering value for money.
- Introduced a user fee framework to improve fairness and transparency.
- Using data and technology to streamline operations and decision-making.
Taking practical steps to ease cost pressures now.
→ More support, where it's needed most
- Protected access to affordability programs.
- Backed co-operative and non-profit housing projects to lower long-term costs.
- Invested in community spaces and services residents rely on.
Reducing pressure on taxpayers by bringing in outside funding.
→ More gets built without relying only on property taxes
- Secured federal funding for housing, infrastructure, and flood protection.
- Partnered with other levels of government to get major projects moving.
- Positioned Halifax to compete for - and win - new investment.
Affordability matters - and the focus is clear: manage costs, improve efficiency, and deliver results that make a difference for residents.