FROM:
Administrative Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Approve Resolution Opposing Initiative #21-0042A1, a November 2024 Statewide Ballot Proposition.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve Resolution No. 2024-009, Opposing Initiative #21-0042A1, a November 2024 statewide ballot proposition.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Operate in a businesslike manner by ensuring that the public debate is based on accurate information.
• Practice sound fiscal management by developing long-term funding and debt management plans.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by establishing partnerships and positive working relationships with other public agencies providing services to residents and local businesses.
DISCUSSION:
Initiative #21-0042A1 is a November 2024 statewide ballot proposition. The measure is a significant threat to local control and voters’ rights that could jeopardize funding for vital services.
This measure creates new constitutional loopholes that allow corporations to pay far less than their fair share for the impacts they have on our communities, which could force residents and taxpayers to pay more to maintain services.
The measure puts billions of dollars currently dedicated to local services at risk, and could force cuts to fire and emergency response, law enforcement, services to support parks, and much more.
The measure is also an attack on voters’ rights, containing undemocratic provisions that would make it more difficult for local voters to pass measures to fund local services, provisions that retroactively cancel measures recently passed by voters, and provisions that prevent voters from passing advisory measures that provide direction on how they want their local tax dollars spent.
Furthermore, the measure contains intentionally vague and restrictive language that will encourage hundreds of frivolous lawsuits against cities and local governments - costing taxpayers millions and blocking investments, development and long-term planning.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Unknown at this time but has the potential to significantly limit the city’s ability to raise revenue in the future.
MOTION:
Approve resolution opposing Initiative #21-0042A1, a November 2024 statewide ballot proposition.