The past election results throughout the country made one thing abundantly clear: Affordability is at the top of mind for nearly every single voter. Inflation is still affecting our economy and prices, and now proposed new taxes threaten to make things even more expensive.
At a time in San Diego County when small businesses are still finding their footing, families are still wrestling with high housing, fuel and grocery costs, and entrepreneurs are deciding whether to scale up or stay flat, we are now confronted with multiple proposals that will make it harder for both people and businesses to thrive.
Consider three of the most prominent proposals. First, there is the push by a coalition of labor unions to place a one-cent sales tax measure in the city of San Diego. A past attempt fell just short of approval, yet the strategy remains the same: Increase the base sales tax rate and generate hundreds of millions in new revenue.
Second, at the county level, a half-cent sales tax is being polled for possible inclusion on the ballot, with a projected annual extraction of about $360 million from local households.
The past election results throughout the country made one thing abundantly clear: Affordability is at the top of mind for nearly every single voter. Inflation is still affecting our economy and prices, and now proposed new taxes threaten to make things even more expensive.
At a time in San Diego County when small businesses are still finding their footing, families are still wrestling with high housing, fuel and grocery costs, and entrepreneurs are deciding whether to scale up or stay flat, we are now confronted with multiple proposals that will make it harder for both people and businesses to thrive.
Consider three of the most prominent proposals. First, there is the push by a coalition of labor unions to place a one-cent sales tax measure in the city of San Diego. A past attempt fell just short of approval, yet the strategy remains the same: Increase the base sales tax rate and generate hundreds of millions in new revenue.
Second, at the county level, a half-cent sales tax is being polled for possible inclusion on the ballot, with a projected annual extraction of about $360 million from local households.
The mission of the Lincoln Club Business League is clear: to fight for a San Diego County where people and enterprises can thrive and where affordability is real. It is our view that tax increases of this magnitude, layered on top of existing cost pressures, will undermine that mission. Rather than complex revenue grabs, we should prioritize smarter spending, budget reform, housing supply expansion and regulatory relief that drives costs down. If we truly want to build a sustainable economy for all San Diegans, the path is not to ask for one more tax but to give our businesses and households the space and the confidence to invest, grow and hire.
Faulconer was mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020 and now is the president and CEO of the Lincoln Club Business League.
