Dear Culver City: Keep our Sales Tax Revenue Here

EDITOR'S NOTE: This piece and others in the "Dear Culver City" series are editorial pieces submitted by sources unaffiliated with Culver Crescent. The sentiments expressed in these articles do not represent or confirm the stance or opinions of Culver Crescent or any of its writers. Culver Crescent has not verified statements of fact made in these pieces. Any claims made in Dear Culver City pieces should not be taken as fact unless corroborated by independent research or data.

By Johanna Gullick and Maria Ramas

We are writing to express our strong support for Measure CL, which Culver City residents will vote on during the Mail-In Only Special Municipal Election on August 26.

Look for a ballot in your mailbox.

This measure proposes a modest ¼ cent sales tax — just 25 cents for every $100 spent — on purchases made in Culver City. Will Culver City or LA County benefit from the Tax?

We must act now. Approving the ¼ cent sale tax ensures that 100% of the revenue generated remains within Culver City. LA County is facing significant budget deficits and will likely seek this ¼ cent sales tax if we don’t. The State of California has set a maximum sales tax that cities and counties can collect. If the County acts first, the sales tax cap would be reached, and Culver City would not receive the revenue.

As Deputy City Attorney Michael Cobden recently explained: “From the perspective of people buying goods in Culver City, they will pay that sales tax no matter what. The real question is whether that revenue stays in the city or not.”

Culver City has long been recognized for its diverse parks, responsive city services, and proactive approach to community challenges. To sustain these critical services and continue providing the high-quality amenities our residents expect, Culver City is proposing this small sales tax increase.

It will help address the city’s structural budget deficit, accommodate the rising cost of living, and ensure long-term fiscal stability. See additional information here.

It’s estimated that the ¼ cent increase could yield $5 to $6 million per year, all of which would stay right here in Culver City.

Remember, this is a mail-in only election, and every single vote counts. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters starting July 28 and must be returned by August 26. Election information, including ballot drop-off locations, can be found on the Culver City website.

Let’s keep Culver City strong and self-reliant — Vote YES on Measure CL.

Johanna Gullick and Maria Ramas are longtime Culver City residents in the Rancho Higuera Neighborhood.