Reduce Measure U tax rates below maximum allowed levels

Measure UBudgetResolution

In Plain English

Measure U allows the city to collect certain taxes up to a maximum rate set by voters. The city currently has the authority to charge the full amount but hasn't set specific rates yet. If approved, the city manager creates a tax schedule with rates lower than the voter-approved maximums.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Establish a committee to look at rates, directed staff to work with the Chamber of Commerce, Council of Industries, and stakeholders to gather information and determine what businesses were renting or leasing and which ones were owner occupied; and to review presentations made to determine accuracy. The City Council also requested that the issue about landlords who owned four units or less and already paid fees to the Rent Board could credit that amount off. This matter would return to a council meeting at the end of January 2021

Passed

7 to 0

NBTBBCDIEMJMMW

Why This Vote Matters

The council unanimously agreed to form a committee that will work with business groups to set specific tax rates under Measure U, rather than having city staff do it alone. Measure U gives the city authority to collect certain business taxes up to limits previously approved by voters, but the actual rates still need to be determined. The committee will study which businesses rent versus own their spaces and consider giving small landlords with four or fewer rental units a credit for fees they already pay to the Rent Board. This continues the council's pattern of supporting budget measures, and the committee will report back with recommendations by the end of January 2021.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Themes From Comments

11 people raised 6 topics (11 submitted written comments)

Democratic Process & Voter Will

1 wrote

Several speakers argued that modifying Measure U would undermine the democratic process and the clear will of voters, noting that 72.5% of Richmond voters approved the measure. They characterized council attempts to reduce the tax as anti-democratic and contrary to the electoral mandate.

City Services Protection

5 wrote

Many speakers emphasized the need for tax revenue to fund essential city services including libraries, youth and elder programs, fire services, parks, and public safety. They noted that the pandemic has made these services even more crucial for residents.

Business Impact & Economic Concerns

4 wrote

Business owners described the financial hardship the tax would create, with one company already relocating from Richmond after 20 years due to the increased tax burden. They argued the tax would make them uncompetitive and force businesses to leave the city.

Progressive Taxation & Fairness

0 spoke

Speakers supported progressive taxation that requires larger companies to pay their fair share while protecting small businesses from excessive burden.

Measure U Implementation

0 spoke

Speakers urged the council to implement Measure U as originally written without modifications or reductions to the maximum allowable tax rates.

Council Authority & Timing

1 wrote

Speakers argued that the newly elected council members, rather than the outgoing council, should make decisions about implementing Measure U since voters elected representatives who supported the measure.

Theme groupings and summaries are auto-generated from meeting records. Extracted Apr 3, 2026.