DATE: April 11, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT
Adopt a Resolution Opposing Initiative 21-0042A1 on the November 2024 General Election Ballot, entitled the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” and Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Letter of Opposition to the Ballot Measure
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council 1) adopts a resolution (Attachment II) opposing Initiative 21-0042A1 on the November 2024 General Election Ballot, entitled by its proponents the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act”; and 2) authorizes the Mayor to sign a letter of opposition to the ballot measure to be delivered to the League of California Cities (CalCities).
SUMMARY
The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (“the measure”), if approved by a simple majority of voters in the November 2024 general election, would amend the California Constitution with provisions restricting the enactment of taxes by state legislators, local boards, or voter-initiated ballot measures. It would also invalidate any local taxes enacted after January 1, 2022; impose mandatory sunset dates on all taxes; put restrictions on local fees and charges; and limit government’s ability to impose fines on businesses that violate state or local law.
The Constitutional amendments proposed by the measure are in opposition to the General Legislative Principles of Enhancing Revenue Sources and Maintaining Home Rule Authority as outlined in the City’s Legislative Program. The measure would significantly impact the City’s future ability to fund services and operations, including those funded by the City’s local Measure C sales tax, the Utility Users Tax, the Real Property Transfer Tax, the Transient Occupancy Tax, as well as transportation and street improvements funded by Alameda County Measure BB.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution
Attachment III Proposed Letter of Opposition
Attachment IV Measure 21-0042A1