Vol. VI, No. 1,302
—Oakland’s stunning rejection of Measure E in June is still sending shockwaves across Alameda County. The parcel tax defeat in a city that routinely approves tax measures has local officials worried that voters may be reaching their limit.
Adding to those concerns is the expected appearance of a regional half-cent sales tax for transportation on the November ballot, which could further crowd the field and make it more difficult for local revenue measures to succeed.
The result is a noticeable retreat from big ticket sales tax measures.
Rather than asking homeowners for more money, several Alameda County cities are increasingly turning to businesses license fees and lower-tier utility taxes.
Hayward has already voted to place a modernized business license tax on the November ballot, seeking to generate an estimated $14 million annually to help address its structural budget deficit.
San Leandro is considering a similar overhaul based on gross receipts. Newark will discuss their business license tax measure on Thursday, and Emeryville is studying their own business tax changes.
Union City officials are also discussing a renewal of Measure WW tonight, the utility users tax approved by voters in 2020.
—The emerging trend suggests local officials believe voters are more willing to tax businesses than themselves.
Whether that assumption holds up in November remains an open question.
The conversation at San Leandro City Hall is one place where businesses in that city are pushing back. The San Leandro City Council is slated to discuss next week placing a business license tax measure on the fall ballot.
Conversely, in Oakland, voter this month approved Measure C giving small businesses that gross less than $1 million annual a one-year business tax holiday.
With transportation agencies seeking billions through a regional sales tax and multiple cities eyeing their own revenue measures, the ballot could become a test of whether taxpayers are truly tapped out—or simply more selective about who pays.
CITY NEWS: Oakland officials in line for pay raises amid city’s budget woes.
In proposed biennial budget, Berkeley is confronting its structural deficit.
COUNTY NEWS: Supes move to avert 92 layoffs at Alameda Health System.
ELECTION 2026: History stacks against Hernandez as Wahab holds massive lead in CA14 runoff.
When campaigns had a beat: Jean Quan’s catchy campaign ditty.
🎙️EAST BAY INSIDERS PODCAST
—EPISODE 135—Few politicians have left a bigger mark on the East Bay than Don Perata. In a candid and often hilarious conversation, the former State Senate President Pro Tem, Assemblymember, Alameda County supervisor, and almost-Oakland mayor reflects on a career that helped shape California politics for more than four decades.
—Listen on Substack or download episodes at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
