Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)

Rita Jefferson

Senior Analyst

Rita Jefferson
Rita Jefferson is a Senior Analyst focused on local tax systems. Her work focuses on the taxation of real estate, progressive taxes for local governments, and protecting local tax autonomy. Prior to joining ITEP in 2024, she worked for the Cook County Treasurer’s Office on research related to property taxation, tax collection, and municipal debt.
A Chicago native, Rita has a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Chicago.
 rita at itep.org

Recent Publications

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How the 50 Largest American Cities Raise Revenue and What That Means for Tax Equity

September 9, 2026 • By Galen Hendricks, Nick Johnson, Rita Jefferson

Large cities have the technical capacity, the economic base, and often more political might than smaller localities and governments that local officials should utilize to design fairer tax systems.

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New Yorkers, Please Pay Your City Income Taxes: Why the Pied-à-Terre Tax Rollout Is Not Worth a Meltdown

August 7, 2026 • By Rita Jefferson

The news coverage of the second home tax has been disconnected from the real living conditions for the millions of New Yorkers who don’t own a second (or third, or fourth) home.

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Recent Media Mentions

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WLRN: Online Tool Shows Hidden Impact of Amendment 3 Property Tax Relief on Local Government Services

September 30, 2026 • By Rita Jefferson

A new interactive online search tool launched Tuesday aims to give Floridians a localized look at how Amendment 3, a contentious property tax relief measure on the 2026 ballot, could dramatically decrease funding for critical public services in local communities around the state.

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Business Insider: New York Wants to Tax Empty Second Homes. Here's What Happened in Cities That Tried It.

April 22, 2026 • By Rita Jefferson

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is gearing up to tax the rich — if they live elsewhere but own multimillion-dollar properties in New York City. Read more.

More Media Mentions of Rita Jefferson