The people want to know the truth!

WHO REALLY PAYS FOR BROWN’S TAX BREAK?

Follow the money behind the PILOT program.

BOX 1 – WHAT BROWN WOULD PAY

IF BROWN PAID FULL PROPERTY TAXES

Full Tax Bill:

≈ $49 million every year

• That’s what Brown University would owe if it were taxed like everyone else.
• Based on the value of Brown’s land and buildings in Providence.

But Brown doesn’t pay full taxes…

BOX 2 – WHAT BROWN ACTUALLY PAYSWHAT BROWN ACTUALLY PAYS THE CITY

Brown’s own checks to Providence:

• Voluntary payments (deals with City Hall)
• Some commercial property taxes
• Transition payments on a few parcels

Total from Brown:

Only about $6–9 million a year

So Brown pays just a small slice of what a normal taxpayer would owe on the same property.

BOX 3 – WHAT RHODE ISLANDERS PAY THROUGH PILOT

 WHO REALLY FILLS THE GAP?

The State PILOT program sends extra money to Providence…

…but that money comes from you:

• State income taxes
• State sales taxes
• Business taxes and fees

Everyday Rhode Islanders pay so Brown can keep its tax break:

• Nurses in Warwick
• Shop owners in Cranston
• Retirees in Woonsocket
• Working families in Providence

PILOT money = state taxpayers’ money, not Brown’s.

So Providence taxpayers are hit twice:

1. Locally, with higher property taxes and rents.
2. Statewide, through taxes that subsidize Brown’s exemption.