Tammy Murphy Bringing the Conversation Full Circle
Montgomery County property taxes affect every homeowner and community in our region. However, any conversation about tax increases should begin with an important question:
Before raising property taxes, are we fully using the assets already within our community?
That question opens the door to a broader discussion. Local governments can strengthen their tax base in several ways. Most importantly, they can do so without placing additional pressure on homeowners.
Across Dayton and Montgomery County, thousands of vacant or underutilized properties generate little or no revenue. Yet these same properties still require public services. Safety response, infrastructure maintenance, and administrative oversight all continue regardless of productivity.
Instead of focusing only on tax increases, communities should also examine how existing land assets are used.
Strategic redevelopment and productive land use can strengthen municipal finances while supporting neighborhood stability.
Why This Perspective Matters
Real estate is not theoretical. Instead, it reflects the daily interaction between land, investment, and community growth.
Working in the real estate market means constantly:
- Evaluating true market value
- Understanding why some properties stagnate
- Recognizing what makes redevelopment viable
- Working alongside builders, lenders, and investors
- Watching neighborhoods shift parcel by parcel
Through this work, one truth becomes clear.
Revenue growth does not come only from higher tax rates.
It also comes from productivity.
Land that produces value strengthens a community. Meanwhile, land that sits idle creates imbalance.
That observation is not political. It is simply market reality.
Thinking Ahead About Montgomery County Property Tax Solutions
In recent years, discussions about Montgomery County property taxes have intensified across Ohio. Residents, policymakers, and community leaders are asking important questions about affordability, transparency, and sustainability.
Rather than waiting for sweeping policy changes to force rushed decisions, communities should begin thinking proactively about Montgomery County property tax solutions.
Key questions include:
- How strong is our redevelopment pipeline?
- How many parcels remain vacant or underutilized?
- What revenue potential exists within our current asset inventory?
- Are municipalities diversifying revenue responsibly?
Preparation matters. When communities plan ahead, they can act thoughtfully instead of reacting under pressure.
Strengthening Communities Without Raising Property Taxes
Communities can grow. Neighborhoods can stabilize. Local revenue can increase.
However, that growth does not have to come from escalating pressure on homeowners who are simply trying to remain in their homes.
Forward-thinking communities instead focus on:
- Proactive asset management
- Strategic redevelopment planning
- Transparent fiscal reporting
These conversations should take place before major property tax decisions are made, not after.
An Open Invitation to Municipal Leaders
Every community within Montgomery County faces unique challenges and opportunities. However, many share common questions when it comes to redevelopment and land productivity.
If you are a trustee, council member, administrator, or development official in Dayton or Montgomery County, I welcome the opportunity to discuss:
• Vacant property productivity
• Redevelopment strategies
• Revenue diversification models
• Asset inventory analysis
Every community is different. Yet every community benefits from forward-thinking leadership.
Real-World Experience Matters
For more than two decades, I have worked directly within our neighborhoods. During that time, I have helped families buy homes, sell properties, invest responsibly, and strengthen communities.
That experience provides a clear perspective on what works, what needs attention, and where new opportunities exist.
The discussions around vacant land, redevelopment, and Montgomery County property taxes are not theoretical. They come from real-world experience and daily interaction with the local housing market.
As we look toward November, Montgomery County deserves leadership that:
• Thinks ahead
• Values stewardship
• Keeps citizens at the center of every decision
Our county deserves proactive, community-driven advocacy — and I am ready to continue that work.