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Berkeley council declines arts‑tax push after poll shows weak November support
Summary
After a rapid survey of likely November voters, pollsters found none of three tested revenue options for arts funding reached the levels needed to pass; the council voted unanimously to delay a ballot measure and work with arts groups for a future effort.
A special Berkeley City Council meeting on July 30 ended with the council deciding not to place an arts‑and‑culture tax on the November 2024 ballot after hearing a city‑commissioned poll showing insufficient support.
David Merman of Lake Partners Research told the council that none of the three tested revenue options—two parcel‑tax versions, a transient occupancy (hotel) tax increase and a 0.5% sales tax—cleared the margins required to be reliable winners. "The flat 4¢ per square foot parcel tax drew about 46% yes and 39% no," Merman said. "The surge parcel tax reached about 43% yes; the transient occupancy tax was at roughly 37% yes with 25% undecided." He warned the parcel tax would fall well short of the two‑thirds threshold it would need as a general parcel tax.
Mayor Aragon and councilmembers who had been working with arts organizations said the polling made the choice clear. "Given the results of the survey, this year is not the year to move forward with this," Aragon said, moving that the council not pursue a ballot measure this year. The motion carried unanimously.
Councilmembers acknowledged the fragile finances facing local arts groups and said the city will continue work with stakeholders. Councilmember Hahn thanked staff and the pollsters for the quick turnaround and urged colleagues to remain open to one‑time rescue funding for organizations in imminent distress.
Public commenters urged non‑ballot support and greater administrative relief. "Please, please go see a show, hear a concert," said a city resident during public comment, urging public patronage and marketing support. Visit Berkeley's president and CEO Jeffrey Church testified that his organization would continue to market the city's cultural events to drive audiences.
The council directed staff and members to continue stakeholder work toward a stronger measure for a later election while pursuing interim supports for struggling venues.
