DonateSearch

Pittsburgh City Council

Council Debates Pros and Cons of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP), Details, and Timing.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • Under LOOP, eligible homeowners will continue to pay property taxes but will be exempt from new taxes that exceed the set increase cap (currently proposed at 25%).
  • For example, if a homeowner’s taxes increase by 50% after reassessment, they would only pay 25%, with the remaining 25% abated.
  • See last week's article for eligibility requirements. Some new eligibility details discussed include:
  • Assessment increases from improvements (such as adding an extension to a house) rather than from maintenance (such as installing a new roof) will disqualify homeowners from LOOP.
  • The 120% AMI threshold is derived from Philadelphia’s LOOP eligibility metrics, which are based on best practices.
  • Eligible participants can choose to use the Homestead Exemption tax abatements instead, but they cannot use both.
  • The program is designed to be revenue neutral.
  • The City's Treasurer & Director of Finance, Jennifer Gula, suggests that having the program in place ahead of upcoming reassessments would simplify implementation.
  • The County most recently assessed homes/properties in 2012 (the first time since 2002).
  • The bill is being held until a to-be-scheduled public hearing.
  • Council Member Takes:
  • Councilperson Charland expressed concern about the unknown financial implications of passing LOOP while reassessment is not imminent, noting that there are already significant needs (ambulance repairs, road repaving, etc.) that risk being underfunded.
  • Councilperson Gross noted that high-income homeowners in her district, including those in Lawrenceville, already receive incidental abatements when purchasing new-build condos assessed at a lower value.
  • Councilpersons Gross and Mosley stated that passing LOOP now could reassure elderly homeowners who might otherwise sell their family home and leave the city as redevelopment begins in their neighborhood, due to fears of future tax increases.

Connections to this story

Topics:
City Budget & FiscalHousing & Land Use
Governments:
Pittsburgh City Council
Public meetings:
City Council · March 18, 2025

More surveys

Have your say on more of the stories we’re covering.

Pittsburgh City CouncilCity of Pittsburgh

City Council Week of March 10.

Let the City Council know how you feel about the above issues by taking this brief survey. We'll share everyone’s thoughts directly before they take a vote (We wont be presenting in person until we…