San Mateo Residents To See 'Measure W' On November Ballot

SAN MATEO, CA—This November, San Mateo residents will decide more than just who becomes the next president of the United States. They'll also decide whether to increase the city's hotel transient occupancy tax from 12 percent to 14 percent.

On July 20, city council unanimously agreed to place Measure W on the November ballot. The extra tax would be paid by overnight hotel and short-term rental guests.

According to city officials, support for Measure W is critical because the city’s revenues are not keeping pace with the growing costs of providing much needed services to local residents.

They added that the recent COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated those economic challenges.

Officials said the city is also facing ongoing and long-term budget deficits, including a $7.8 million structural shortfall this year alone.

City officials said that Measure W would provide an additional estimated $1 million annually in locally-controlled funding to maintain city services such as:

• Maintaining streets and repairing potholes
• Providing fire protection and emergency medical services
• Maintaining responses to 9-1-1 emergencies
• Managing traffic congestion and enhancing pedestrian safety
• Maintaining parks and recreation facilities including courts, fields, and playgrounds

To learn more about Measure W, click here.

Do you support Measure W? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments section below!