Giving residents a direct voice in how a portion of local tax revenue is spent
A simple local model where 3% is guided by residents while the remaining 97% continues through the normal government process.
A measured balance between public input and institutional stability.
The Centerline Proposal
A measured, local approach to giving residents a real voice in public spending without disrupting essential government functions.
account_balance_wallet Resident Allocation
Under this plan, a fixed 3% of total local property tax revenue is set aside into a shared allocation pool. Each adult resident can then help decide how that portion is distributed across approved local priorities such as schools, parks, recreation, infrastructure, and community programs.
verified Stability Guarantee
To preserve stability and protect essential services, 97% of local tax revenue remains under the control of elected officials and the normal budget process. This proposal adds resident input to a small portion of spending without replacing representative government.
A Simple Example
If 60% of participating residents choose parks and recreation while 40% choose schools, then the 3% allocation pool is split along those same lines.
The tax rate does not change. The total budget does not disappear. A small portion of existing revenue is simply directed according to resident priorities.
What this means in practice
Residents express priorities clearly instead of only reacting after the fact.
Officials keep the overall system intact while gaining better direction from the community.
The process stays small enough to be stable, but real enough to matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Centerline proposal is meant to supplement, not replace, the existing system. By keeping 97% of the budget under the control of elected officials, the town keeps its normal structure while residents gain a direct voice in a small, controlled portion of spending.
3% is intentionally small. It is large enough to create meaningful public input, but limited enough to avoid disrupting essential services, long-term planning, or the normal operating budget. It is a practical starting point, not a shock to the system.
The strongest version of this model is a once-per-year allocation vote held during local elections. Each adult resident would have the option to complete a simple additional form or digital selection process showing how they want the 3% pool distributed among approved local categories.
Every adult resident with a primary address in the town should be eligible to participate. This includes both homeowners and renters. The proposal is based on residency and shared stake in the community, not on wealth, property ownership, or corporate influence.
No. This proposal does not change anyone’s tax rate or create a new tax. It only changes how a small portion of existing local tax revenue is allocated.
About Centerline
Centerline is built around a simple idea: people should have a more direct voice in local priorities without tearing apart the institutions that keep a town functioning.
Instead of trying to replace representative government, Centerline starts small, stays local, and gives residents a structured way to help guide a limited portion of public spending.
Local First
The model works best locally first, where people can see the effects directly and towns can test practical implementation.
The goal is not disruption for its own sake. The goal is balance between public input and institutional stability.
Residents already live with the outcomes of public spending. Centerline is about making that relationship more direct and more visible.
What This Does Not Do
It does not raise taxes
It works within existing local revenue rather than creating a new tax burden.
It does not replace local government
Elected officials still oversee the vast majority of the budget and normal town operations.
It does not give corporations extra influence
The strongest version is based on adult residents, not on property portfolios or corporate ownership.
Join the Movement
We are building a more responsive form of local democracy. Reach out to learn more about how you can support the Centerline Party in your community.