Title
RESOLUTION Supporting Efforts to Reform Proposition 13 (supports efforts to seek voter authorization for changes to the property tax limitations imposed by Proposition 13 approved by voters in 1978)
Body
WHEREAS, Proposition 13, passed in 1978, creates disparities by allowing commercial property owners to avoid paying their fair share of property taxes, thereby shifting the tax burden to residential property, including everyday homeowners and working families; and
WHEREAS, the state of California continues to face ongoing budgetary challenges. Further compounding these challenges is the fact that Proposition 13 has forced the State to rely heavily upon more volatile revenue sources than the property tax, including income taxes and sales taxes that more directly impact working families. These taxes move in tandem with economic cycles, causing deficits and requiring cuts to vital services that grow our economy, thereby worsening economic downturns; and
WHEREAS, regularly reassessing non-residential property would, according to an analysis of data provided by the California Board of Equalization, generate at least $6 billion in additional revenue for California, and shift the tax burden from homeowners, renters, and working families to corporations and commercial landholders.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Leandro City Council] supports commercial property tax reform that will require non-residential, large-scale commercial properties to be reassessed regularly while maintaining Proposition 13 protections for residential property and small business owners; and
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the San Leandro City Council will communicate this position to local elected officials.