Hello, neighbor!
WE MUST ACT NOW!
WE MUST ACT NOW!
Right now, the Hamden Legislative Council is reviewing a proposed budget that could raise taxes by 15–30% per household.
As of April 2025, the Council is still in deliberations and is expected to vote on the final budget in May.
This potential increase would impact both homeowners and renters:
Homeowners would see a significant rise in their monthly property tax bills.
Renters could face higher rents, as landlords will likely pass along the added tax costs.
In short, this affects all of us—no matter where you live in town.
Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening and how you can take action.
How We Got Here:
Hamden has been in a financial crisis for years—driven by decades of mismanaged town finances. We’re asking for your involvement now because this year’s proposed budget is deeply concerning.
Last year, the budget passed by a razor-thin margin—just one vote, 8 to 7—even after the town’s own Finance Commission, a nonpartisan panel of financial experts, issued clear warnings. Their professional advice was ignored.
We’re worried the Council may do the same thing again.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and putting the needs of Hamden residents above all else.
Follow these steps:
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1. Calculate the Impact
Use this free calculator, created by Hamden residents Edward Lee and Luke Sanford, to calculate your 2025-2026 taxes.
If you’re a homeowner, you’ll see exactly what your new annual tax bill and monthly increase will be.
If you’re a renter, entering your address will show what your landlord is facing in tax increases—and if those costs are significant, they’re likely to be passed on to you.
Understanding this now gives you a chance to prepare and take action before the impact hits your wallet.
*The link below will take you off the website—please return here to complete all the steps.
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2. Read the Plan
District 5’s Rhonda Caldwell is leading the charge for a smarter, fairer budget—and several Council members are standing with her.
Why you can trust her plan: With degrees in Finance and Public Administration and over 27 years in affordable housing, Rhonda brings real-world experience. Rhonda currently works for CHFA and oversees housing authorities across Connecticut, including Hamden. She understands how to leverage state and federal resources to ease our town’s financial strain.
Read Rhonda’s demands and learn how we can hold our leaders accountable.
*The link below will take you off the website—please return here to complete all the steps.
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3. Sign the Petition
If you want your council representatives to pause the budget and take fiscally responsible action for a better future, sign and share the petition.
*The link below will take you off the website—please return here to complete all the steps.
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4. Contact Your Representative
Beyond signing the petition, let your council representative know how this tax hike will impact your household. Find your district and contact information below at the link.
*The link below will take you off the home page—please return here to complete all the steps.
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5. Join Our Community
Join us in the Hamden Residents Unite Facebook group to connect with the community about the budget crisis and other local issues. This is an open space for everyone, regardless of background or political affiliation, and it's moderated to ensure a respectful environment for all.
*The link below will take you off the website—please return here to complete all the steps.