Developer Blames High Taxes for Struggles in Major Cities

WHO:

NY Post - Rodney Lockwood, Board Chairman of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy

Fox News - Rodney Lockwood

WHAT:

NY Post - Lockwood warned that high-tax cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are facing serious structural trouble.

Fox News - Lockwood's plan aims to transform Detroit's Belle Isle into a tax-friendly "Freedom City" to attract $50 billion in private investment.

WHERE:

NY Post - New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco

Fox News - Detroit's Belle Isle

WHY:

NY Post - Lockwood cited high taxes as a reason for the struggles of big blue cities.

Fox News - Lockwood described the taxes as "substantial."

(UPDATED July 25, 2026 20:18 UTC)

Rodney Lockwood, the Board Chairman of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, has issued a warning that high-tax cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are facing serious structural trouble due to what he describes as "substantial" taxes. In response, Lockwood has proposed a plan to transform Detroit's Belle Isle into a tax-friendly "Freedom City," with the goal of attracting $50 billion in private investment. He believes that creating a more favorable tax environment is essential for revitalizing struggling urban areas.