Menlo Park places local funding measure on ballot

Published on July 10, 2024

Menlo Park City Council places local funding measure on November ballot to maintain essential city services

At its July 9 meeting, the Menlo Park City Council voted unanimously (one City Councilmember absent) to approve a resolution to place a local Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT, paid only by hotel/lodging guests) measure on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot for voter consideration. If enacted, the proposed measure would provide locally controlled funds to maintain critical City services and protect Menlo Park’s quality of life.

“Menlo Park is proud to offer high-level of services, and this measure would give our community control over local funds for local needs,” stated City Manager Justin Murphy. “The TOT is only paid by hotel, motel and short-term rental guests visiting Menlo Park, and the funds allow us to remain self-reliant, requiring this proposed voter-approved funding be spent for Menlo Park residents, and ensuring it cannot be taken by Sacramento.”

A recent independently commissioned community survey shows over 85% of residents are satisfied with Menlo Park’s quality of life and 77% are satisfied with City services. If enacted, the measure would continue Menlo Park’s high standards for fiscal accountability and transparency, including citizen’s oversight, independent financial audits, and yearly reports to the community to ensure City funds are spent responsibly for the community’s priorities.

“Through several months of community outreach, our residents identified top community priorities including maintaining street and pothole repair, enhancing emergency preparedness, and maintaining parks, open spaces, sports fields and children’s play structures” added City Manager Justin Murphy. “If approved by voters, the TOT measure would provide a reliable source of local funding to support maintaining our critical local services and addressing community priorities, so residents can continue enjoying the quality of life they have come to expect.”

The measure appearing before voters would increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 12% to 15.5%, generating an additional $3.6 million dollars a year for city services and local needs – paid only by hotel, motel and short-term rental guests visiting Menlo Park.