A Fee for Colleges in Boston

I propose that colleges in Boston pay an annual fee to the City of Boston.

My proposal for colleges to pay an annual fee to the City of Boston is not punitive. The colleges take and continue to take more space, and their students utilize city services. Those services include sanitation, emergency medical services, and other city services.

While college students bring the city revenue through purchases, etc., many students leave the city for summers, breaks, and holidays.

My proposal would begin with asking the colleges to voluntarily make a fair yearly payment to the city.

My proposal would begin with asking the colleges to voluntarily make a fair yearly payment to the city. If the colleges do not agree, we will allow Boston voters to decide. 

This would not be similar to the current, voluntary Pilot Program Boston now asks colleges to pay to the city.

The funds will be significantly higher.

I propose we put the question up as a ballot initiative. Let Bostonians decide.

The argument that students will feel the sting of the payment is not an issue. College fees rise regardless of the situation. 

Colleges are a beloved part of Boston. I want them to help ease their home city taxes and city services.

My idea:

If Boston receives 20 million dollars a year for 7 years from 5 colleges in the city, that is 100 million dollars a year. 

Hold that $100 million for 7 years. That is 700 million dollars. That money could go toward lowering property and business taxes. 

Repeat the process for 7 years again.

The next 700 million could go to taxes, city services, and education. 

This is an idea. We need new and fresh ideas.

Colleges are a beloved part of Boston. I want them to help ease their home city taxes and city services.