We’ve called out Mayor Michelle Wu for sticking Bostonians with an ever-increasing bill to cover the White Stadium overhaul, but she deserves credit for giving taxpayers a break with her recent Northeastern University negotiations.

Her administration brokered a five-year deal with Northeastern in which one of Boston’s biggest tax-exempt nonprofits will contribute higher voluntary PILOT payments to the city.

Northeastern will up its annual contribution under the city’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, to total more than $49 million in cash and community benefits over a five-year period set to expire on June 30, 2030.

Northeastern’s annual cash payment to the city will increase incrementally by 36.8%, from $1.9 million in fiscal year 2025 to $2.6 million in FY30. The university has also committed to contributing $37 million in so-called community benefits — which will include support for public education, housing and community access to public and institutional spaces, along with other shared priorities with the city.

“Boston thrives when our leading institutions match their global reach with a deep commitment to our neighborhoods,” Wu said in a statement. “Our five-year PILOT agreement sets a new standard for higher annual cash payments and community benefits at a time when Boston taxpayers need relief.”

Do we ever, and it’s encouraging to see the Mayor go after the big, deep-pocketed fish who’ve skated by on lesser taxes for years.

Wu’s administration is targeting Harvard University, Boston University, Boston College, Mass General-Brigham Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Tufts Medical Center.

We, and Boston taxpayers, are hopeful they’ll follow Northeastern’s example.