Santa Monica Next Endorsements : Yes on Measure F

Date:

Santa Monica Next is a party of a 501c(3) and as such cannot make candidate endorsements. However, we can weigh in on ballot measures and have already urged voters to vote Yes on QS, the SMMUSD School Bond, and Yes on Measure K, the tax increase on private short-term parking lots and No on PSK, the advisory measure on how to spend any funds raised by Measure K.

Santa Monica Next urges a “Yes” vote on Measure F, the Business Tax Modernization Ballot Measure.

The changes would bring an estimated $3 million to the city’s coffers every year, but filling a portion of the city’s budget shortfall is a side-effect, not the goal, of the measure. The goal is to “modernize and streamline the badly outdated business license tax fee structure” to provide relief for small businesses and increase the tax fees on some of the larger businesses.

The measure would raise the corporate headquarters rate to 0.25 percent, remove auto dealer tax exemptions, decrease tax rates for most retailers and restaurants, and restore a business license processing fee. The business license tax increase would be phased in incrementally over three years. Supporters of the measure argue that the fee structure hasn’t been updated since the 1990’s, before the tech boom changed the economy of the city. You can read more about the measure on the city’s official Measure F page.

Damien Newton
Damien Newton
Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

Share post:

More like this
Related

County Holds Hearing on Malibu School’s Separation Petition on Wednesday, 4/2

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is...

Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica Donates $200,000 for LA Wildfire Relief

The following is a submission from Pier Communications.The Kiwanis...

Saved or Delayed? Council Unanimously Moves Forward with Contract with RPG Group to Revitalize the Civic Auditorium

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted...

Kool Happenings: The Magic Eraser and the Eerie Echos of Musk’s Grandpa

March 27, 2025Quick NoteLast week's email talked about my...