The City Doesn't Even Know Who is Subject to Measure A - And That's Why You Need to Vote No!

City Hall says Measure A is narrowly targeted. But the City’s own report admits its estimate is based on limited self-reported data used as a proxy. They do not really know who will get caught, the rules come later, and homeowners may have to prove they are exempt. With Election Day approaching, San Diegans should remember to vote — and vote No on Measure A.

They Don’t Even Know Who Will Pay — So Vote No on Measure A

City Hall politicians want you to believe Measure A is narrow.

They say it only targets “empty homes.”

They say ordinary San Diegans have nothing to worry about.

But the City’s own report shows they do not really know who will get caught.

The City Is Relying on a Proxy

The City’s Independent Budget Analyst says the estimate of potentially taxable homes is based on self-reported Rental Unit Business Tax exemption data.

In plain English: the City is using a database of people who said their property was a vacation home or second home for purposes of a different City tax.

The IBA calls that data a proxy.

And the report admits there are limitations.

It does not capture every home that could meet Measure A’s definition. They won't admit it - but this is the truth.

So when City Hall says it knows who Measure A applies to, voters should be skeptical.

Everyone Is at Risk of Getting Pulled Into the Bureaucracy

Measure A is not just a tax.

It is a new City Hall enforcement system.

The City will have to decide who owes the tax, who is exempt, whose paperwork counts, whose lease is valid, whose family arrangement qualifies, and whose home was occupied enough days.

That means mistakes will happen.

Records will be wrong.

Notices will be missed.

People who should not owe the tax can still get pulled into the system.

And if City Hall decides you owe the tax, you may have to prove them wrong.

Other Cities Already Proved the Point

This is not theoretical.

In other cities with vacancy taxes, regular residents were wrongly billed, forced into complaint portals, audited, and required to prove they lived in their own homes.

Toronto wrongly captured huge numbers of homes.

Ottawa officials admitted their system captured too many people.

Vancouver created privacy problems and invasive audits.

San Diego should not copy those mistakes.

Don’t Wait. Vote No.

Election Day is almost here.

Measure A is a $10,000 tax, a new bureaucracy, and another City Hall gamble.

It does not guarantee lower rents.

It does not guarantee new affordable housing.

It does not put the money into a dedicated housing fund.

And the City does not even really know who will get caught in the system they are creating.

That is reason enough to vote.

Remember to vote.

Vote No on Measure A.

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Tomorrow Is Election Day: Vote No on Measure A

June 1, 2026

Election Day is tomorrow. Measure A is a $10,000 home tax, a new City Hall bureaucracy, and another risky scheme with no guarantee of lower rents or new affordable housing. Make sure your vote counts — and vote No on Measure A.

Ten Reasons to Vote No on Measure A

May 31, 2026

Election Day is almost here. Before voting, San Diegans should remember what Measure A really does: it creates a $10,000 tax, sends the money to the General Fund, puts the burden of proof on homeowners, creates a new bureaucracy, and does not guarantee lower rents or new affordable housing. Here are 10 good reasons to VOTE NO!