Louisiana Voters Will Decide on Property Tax Amendment

A November 3, 2026, ballot measure aims to incentivize the rehabilitation of blighted properties through tax cuts.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a geometric timber house frame structure, symbolizing property revitalization policy in Louisiana. — Louisiana voters will consider a constitutional amendment on November 3, 2026, offering long-term tax incentives to encourage the revitalization of blighted properties statewide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local governments use property tax breaks to incentivize the rehabilitation of blighted properties?

Louisiana voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide on a constitutional amendment offering long-term tax breaks for revitalizing blighted properties. This proposal is one of 10 constitutional amendments appearing on the upcoming ballot.

Why it matters

The amendment seeks to encourage the rehabilitation of neglected property through financial incentives rather than traditional fine-based penalties. For the tax breaks to take effect, the measure requires both statewide voter approval and subsequent local government authorization.

The proposed measure offers a 75% property tax cut for 20 years on rehabilitated blighted structures and a 20% reduction for improved vacant lots. It is one of 10 total constitutional amendments awaiting voter decision.

The players

Chance Henry

He is the State Representative who authored House Bill 214 to incentivize the rehabilitation of blighted property.

Cleve Dunn

He serves as a Baton Rouge Metro Councilmember who has voiced opposition to implementing these tax breaks at the local level.

The details

Authored by State Representative Chance Henry, House Bill 214 creates a framework that shifts the approach toward property decay from punishment to incentive. Despite the state-level push, some local officials, such as Baton Rouge Metro Councilmember Cleve Dunn, have indicated they may not approve the local-level implementation.

State Representative Chance Henry discussed the proposed amendment in March 2026.
The constitutional amendment appears on the statewide ballot on November 3, 2026.

Political Context

The proposal follows the legislative path established by House Bill 214 to address urban blight through tax policy. Critics argue that requiring local government approval creates a fragmented system where property owners face different rules depending on their municipality.

If the amendment passes statewide, voters should monitor their local municipal meetings to see if their specific city council intends to adopt the tax break. Implementation will ultimately depend on whether local officials choose to opt in to the program.

The takeaway

Property owners should track both the statewide election outcome and subsequent local city council agendas to understand if these tax incentives will become available in their area. The success of the program relies heavily on the willingness of local leaders to embrace state-led tax incentives.