Writing
Brookline Insights
Essays and analyses on how Brookline got here, the state of things today, and how we might chart a sustainable and thriving future.
Forecast
New homes and Brookline's budgetWith enrollment falling and police and fire staffing flat, what a new home costs Brookline between now and 2040, and the choice that decides it.
Interactive
Brookline Forecast ExplorerMove the assumptions behind Brookline's General Fund forecast and watch revenue and spending through 2040.
Essay
Will Brookline need a sixth override?Brookline has asked voters for an override five times since 2005. What would actually have to change for that to stop?
Essay
How does construction impact Brookline’s Town finances?Construction is great for our Town’s finances and reduces future taxes for existing property owners. Increasing construction-based property tax growth from 1.3% to 2.1% per year would have arguably avoided all overrides for the past 20 years.
Essay
Brookline property tax overviewWith the property tax override on the May 5th 2026 ballot I became curious about how property taxes work here in Brookline. I've also found that most discussions about property taxes ignore the impact of new property growth from renovation and new development.