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Referrals committee sends proposed commercial vacancy tax to Economic Development Committee
Summary
After months of discussion, the Referrals Committee referred a proposed vacancy tax on vacant commercial properties to the Economic Development Committee with a recommendation that it be heard before the end of 2025.
The Referrals Committee on July 28 referred a proposal to create a vacancy tax for vacant commercial properties to the Economic Development Committee, asking that the committee consider the item before the end of 2025. Committee members said the idea has been discussed for many months and was considered in the prior council term, when a similar concept was voted down in committee. “This is, essentially, a vacancy tax for vacant commercial properties, to act as a kind of a counterbalance to any tax benefit that property owners achieve from maintaining vacant properties,” one member summarized during the meeting. Members debated whether Finance & Budget or Economic Development is the better venue; they ultimately directed the referral to Economic Development. Council member Newsom moved the referral and the chair declared the ayes have it. The Referrals Committee took no legislative action on the proposal itself; the Economic Development Committee will review the concept and determine whether to recommend code changes, an ordinance, or other measures to the full council.
