MEASURE CL SPECIAL MAIL-IN BALLOT ELECTION
What You Need to Know about Measure CL
In the July 28 through August 26 Mail-in only Special Municipal Election Culver City residents can vote on Measure CL, a quarter-cent sales tax (1/4 cent or $0.25 per hundred dollars) on purchases made in Culver City to take effect April 1, 2026.
If approved, the sales tax will provide an estimated $5.6 million annually. This additional revenue will allow the city to maintain the current level of city services and programs such as park maintenance, street and sidewalk repairs, senior and youth programs, and police and fire protection. One hundred percent of the revenue from Measure CL will stay in Culver City.
Why Do We Need Measure CL?
Culver City, like cities across the country, has a budget gap. Prior to 2019, the City identified that spending would outpace revenue and cause a budget deficit, which is now a reality. The City has been filling the deficit by drawing on its reserves. Trump’s Federal budget cuts and additional retaliation against Democratic states like CA is adding to the City’s deficit by reducing funding sources. To continue core city services, additional funding is needed.
Who supports Measure CL?
All 5 members of Culver City’s Council have endorsed Measure CL along with the Culver City Democratic Club and Our Culver.
Will Culver City or LA County Benefit from this Tax?
The State of California has set a maximum sales tax rate that cities and counties can collect. Facing similar budget challenges, LA County is planning to raise the sales tax, but it can do that only in cities that are not collecting the full amount available to them. This means our sales tax will increase one way or another. The only question is, will Culver City get the additional revenue or will LA County? Our City Council voted unanimously (5 to 0) to support this ballot measure so we can keep the dollars from the inevitable tax increase here in Culver City.
Will CL Funds Go To Our Schools?
Decreasing enrollment and the end of special State Covid funding have created a significant budget gap for our school district. Currently, Culver City supports CCUSD in a limited way, covering things like crossing guards and refuse collection. However, $2.5-$4M is needed right away to help our schools for the upcoming school year. On July 14, the City Council discussed additional support for our schools but didn’t make any commitments due to a lack of funds. If voters do not pass Measure CL, it is very unlikely the city will be able to help meet CCUSD needs and save valuable educational programs and jobs from being cut.
Summary
Measure CL will be on a Special All-Mail Ballot Election
July 25 through August 26, 2025.
Measure CL
would add a 0.25% (one-quarter cent) sales tax to purchases made in Culver City.
It would provide approximately 5.6 million dollars annually for City services.
The new tax would take effect on April 1, 2026, and continue until voters decide to end it.
This is a general tax, meaning the money can be used for any City service, like streets, parks, senior/youth programs, police and fire protection etc.
The money raised would go directly to Culver City’s General Fund, not to the State or County. All funds would remain local.
The funds would be independently audited each year to ensure transparency.
Measure CL could potentially allow the City to provide funds to CCUSD to help close its budget gap.
If Culver City doesn’t go after the quarter-cent increase in sales tax, the county will.
Register to vote! The final day to register is Monday, August 11th. Learn more on the City's website. https://www.culvercity.org/City-Hall/Election-Information