Boston Pushes Harvard, Other Colleges for Money Even as Trump Steps Up Attacks

Boston is pressuring Harvard University and other local colleges to funnel millions more into the city’s tax coffers, a push that’s becoming increasingly complicated as the Trump administration intensifies its attacks on higher education.

The discussions are part of an annual process whereby Boston asks tax-exempt universities and hospitals to contribute cash and other benefits in lieu of paying property taxes. The schools consistently decline to fund the city’s full request, and some haven’t increased their cash contributions in years. Boston officials are seeking to overhaul the program to lock in higher payments.