Explore Petra Huda’s Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility
This section outlines Petra Huda’s dedication to financial accountability, presenting a clear summary of her campaign goals. Working to keep our community affordable by controlling city spending and limiting tax hikes.
Restoring Fiscal Responsibility To Protect Affordability
- As a City Councilor, my top priority is reining in the unsustainable budget growth that is hiking property taxes and deepening our housing crisis. In June, the Council approved a new $150 million FY26 budget. This budget is a $12.1 million increase over the $137.9 million cost of the same services just six months earlier—and it passed with no serious effort to cut costs or find efficiencies. This is part of a larger trend where spending has grown by $23.5 million over the last 3 1/2 years. With no population or service growth, we have to ask why costs are rising this quickly.
- The truth is, runaway spending is making Portsmouth less affordable—not just for homeowners, but also for renters, since landlords pass higher tax bills directly to tenants. I’ve personally seen my property taxes increase by $2,300 in just two years, and many residents are facing similar hardships. At the same time, water and sewer rates have jumped, electric costs are climbing, and city staffing costs continue to rise—Portsmouth now leads the state with 262 employees earning over $100,000 per year.
- This Council claims affordable housing is its top priority, yet its budgeting practices are directly undermining affordability. Oversight—not micromanagement—is what’s missing. Oversight is a core responsibility of elected officials. It means reviewing budgets carefully, asking tough but necessary questions, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, efficiently, and transparently.
- During my prior term on the Council (2020–21), I consistently advocated for and achieved the lowest budget increases in the past decade. I will bring that same commitment and proven record to ensure every tax dollar is used responsibly, so that Portsmouth remains a community where residents can afford to live, work, and raise a family.
Putting Fiscal Responsibility First for Portsmouth’s Future
Explore how Petra Huda plans to champion budgetary discipline and transparent spending to strengthen our community’s financial health.
Unsustainable Budget Growth is the Top Concern
Rein in unsustainable city budget growth—The current Council effort resulted in a $23.5 million increase over 3.5 years, culminating in a $150 million FY26 budget.
Runaway Spending Undermines Affordability
Driving up property taxes, which worsens the housing affordability crisis for both homeowners and renters.
A Proven Commitment to Financial Oversight
The solution requires responsible oversight from elected officials. During my prior Council term (2020–21) I advocated for and achieved the lowest budget increases in the past decade.
Support Fiscal Responsibility Today
Show your support and help ensure Petra Huda’s success on election day.