Glendale Sales Tax Proposal Blocked from November Ballot
A proposed quarter-cent sales tax increase in Glendale will not appear on the November ballot, after an effort to advance the measure failed to secure enough support from the City Council.
The proposal emerged as Glendale officials looked for ways to address growing budget pressures and maintain funding for public safety and essential city services.
Mayor Ardy Kassakhian had requested consideration of a 0.25% transactions and use tax, which would have increased the cost of taxable purchases made in the city.
However, according to the Glendale News-Press, the measure was ultimately blocked from moving forward after Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian declined to support placing it on the ballot.
Why This Matters for CRE
While the proposed tax was not a direct tax on commercial property, it could have increased costs for businesses operating in Glendale, including retailers, restaurants selling taxable goods, and companies purchasing construction materials, equipment, and other taxable products.
It also raised a broader concern for BOMA/GLA: the cumulative cost of doing business in our cities.
BOMA/GLA strongly supports investments in public safety and essential city services. Safe, well-maintained communities are critical to successful commercial properties and a strong local economy.
At the same time, cities must consider how new taxes and fees affect businesses, tenants and future investment.
The fact that Glendale is considering new revenue sources also signals broader fiscal challenges that BOMA/GLA will continue to monitor.
BOMA/GLA Will Stay Engaged
For now, Glendale businesses have avoided another potential increase in the cost of doing business.
But the City's budget pressures have not disappeared.
BOMA/GLA will continue monitoring Glendale for new tax, fee and revenue proposals and working to ensure the commercial real estate industry's voice is part of the conversation.
This proposal may be off the November ballot, but our advocacy doesn't stop here.
