Unless you are a voter who travels often, you likely don’t have much of a relationship with Transient Occupancy Tax. Also known as ‘Bed Tax’ its a part of your tab for a hotel stay, and when tourism is a part of the economy, it can be important.
The city has been slow to raise taxes over the years, including the TOT. Seven other California cities have similar taxes on their November ballots; Burbank, Alhambra, Hawthorne, Lynwood, Monterey Park and Rancho Palos Verdes are all looking to add to the hotel revenue by increasing the ‘bed tax.’
Measure T would increase Culver City’s transient occupancy tax from 14% to 16% in two phases. If passed, the tax would increase to 15% on March 1, 2027, and to 16% on March 1, 2028. The measure is expected to generate up to about $2 million annually for the city’s General Fund.
If your stay is for longer than 30 days, you are exempt. If you are here long enough to register to vote, you should vote yes.
It’s a simple way to bring in needed revenue.
Judith Martin-Straw
