South Hadley is a ‘canary in the coal mine’ as local governments nationwide face the end of pandemic aid and rising costs
Quick Summary
- South Hadley, Mass., faces a vote on a property-tax increase proposal to address a $3 million deficit.
SOUTH HADLEY, Mass.— Campaign signs have been vanishing from yards of single-family homes in this sleepy college town, prompting local police to post a dry warning: “Stealing signs won’t change minds, just your criminal record.”
But these aren’t signs for political candidates. They are for and against a hefty property-tax increase proposal headed to a vote Tuesday—one both sides agree could profoundly shape the Western Massachusetts community of roughly 18,000 residents.
The affordability debate breaking out across America has landed squarely here. Without millions in additional taxes, local officials warn, there will be deep cuts: no school sports or extracurriculars and slashed Advanced Placement offerings, along with hits to police and public-works staffing.
The Wall Street Journal
By Scott Calvert
April 12, 2026 10:00 pm ET