The opinions and recommendations in this report, and any errors, are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or funders of this report. [...] After four years of strife and rifts over budget decisions, the 2015 city budget will set the tone for the new administration, the new council, and for a city of residents looking to see a more united front from their elect- ed representatives. [...] No matter what the source of the underinvestment, the problems of in- come inequality and persistent poverty inevitably land on the doorstep of the municipal government. [...] Unleashing the Power of the City of Toronto Act The new administration could use the potential of the COTA.5 This 2006 Act expanded the powers available to the city, including taxation powers that are not available to other Ontario municipalities. [...] It is estimated to bring close to $360 8 Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives million into the city’s coffers in 2014.6 The billboard tax, or the third party sign tax, brings in about $10 million annually.7 Despite its revenue raising potential, one of the first acts of the Ford administration was to abandon the vehicle registration tax.