About Us

Keep It Local is a statewide coalition against Measure 4 that seeks to abolish property tax in North Dakota. The coalition is an ideologically broad group with a central goal of maintaining local control and keeping our communities great places to live.

The property taxes you pay directly benefits the development of your community and funds the services available to you as a resident such as schools, public safety, public works, and community services like parks, pools and libraries.

Should this proposal be approved, North Dakota would need to allocate an extra $1.575 billion annually towards property taxes to sustain these services. There is no well vetted plan to make up the estimate $1.575 billion per year to cover property taxes to fund essential services.

FAQs

  • Q: What is the big deal if the measure passes?

    A: There are a number of unintended consequences, should the measure pass. However, the TWO BIGGEST CONCERNS are:

    There is no well vetted plan to make up the estimated $1.575 billion per year to cover property taxes to fund essential services.

    It would take away local control of the local budget. Officials in your community know more about your community’s needs than those at the state level.

  • Q: What’s next?

    A: The Secretary of States office has confirmed the signatures. The measure will be on the ballot in November. If passed, the measure would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, giving legislators no time to plan how to fund the $1.575 billion needed for essential services.

  • Q: How will this impact everyday citizens?

    A: Citizens will pay no matter what. Local governments and/or the state legislature will need to determine another method of gaining the revenue in order to continue to providing services to local communities.

    1. Changing the funding source for property taxes in North Dakota to rely on the Legacy Fund would likely require an amendment to the North Dakota Constitution. This is because the constitution outlines specific guidelines for the use and management of the Legacy Fund.

    2. There are many variables involved in determining the burn rate of the Legacy Fund at $1.575 billion per year. In simple terms, the Legacy Fund would be depleted in approximately seven years, assuming no additional revenue or investment returns are added to the fund during this period.

    3. The Legacy Fund's principal earnings are already allocated to support various state needs, including the Highway Distribution Fund, which goes to various programs, including state highways, the North Dakota State Highway Patrol, and local governments. Allocating it primarily for property tax relief could limit its capacity to address other critical areas.

    4. The Legacy Fund's sustainability depends on its investment performance. Economic instability and market fluctuations lead to unpredictable and potentially insufficient revenue for long-term property tax funding.

  • Q: What can I do to help?

    A: Please inform your friends and family to VOTE NO in November and consider making a donation to support the cause!

  • Click here to download our educational flyer!