Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Taxation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
California City to place transient occupancy tax increase on November 2026 ballot
Summary
Council voted to place a proposed increase to the city's transient occupancy (hotel) tax on the November 2026 ballot, moving the measure to a general-election timeline and discussing a shift from the current 6% to a higher rate.
The California City Council voted on Jan. 27 to place a measure on the November 2026 ballot that would raise the city’s transient occupancy tax (TOT, also called bed tax) from the current 6% toward a higher proposed rate. Mayor Pro Tem Creighton explained the rationale for a November placement, saying it gives more time for voter education and a better chance for approval in a general election.
Council discussed revenue estimates, comparators in neighboring jurisdictions and the mechanics of a general-tax ballot measure (which requires unanimous placement vote by council to proceed to voters). The council approved placing the measure on the November ballot by roll-call vote (Clark, Smith, Creighton, Hawkins: yes).
If the council and staff proceed, the measure language, rate and final fiscal projections will be prepared for future council review and public information prior to submittal to the county and the ballot timeline.
