Local figures voice support for Measure CL

As ballots for the special election for Measure CL later this month reach the hands of voters, important figures have begun showing their support for its passage.

While Mayor Dan O'Brien has reiterated that key organizations and stakeholders throughout the city support Measure CL overall, the Culver City Democratic Club and the Culver City Chamber of Commerce are the first major players to officially announce their support for the measure.

Each group issued press releases expressing their support for the measure along with the reasons they believe it is vital for Culver City. If approved, Measure CL will increase the sales tax in Culver City by a quarter-cent, or 25 cents for every $100 spent on most goods in the city.

Under current state law, the city would be at the highest allowable cap for local sales taxes if Measure CL passes. If Los Angeles or another local entity looks to pass another tax measure in 2026 with Measure CL in place, that L.A. measure would not apply to Culver City.

The estimated $5 to $6 million increase in revenue that Culver City is expected to generate is the primary impetus for both organizations' support of Measure CL. The Culver City Democratic Club makes decisions on public issues through a vote, and the club voted to endorse Measure CL.

The Democratic Club points to the cuts that may happen if Measure CL does not pass as a reason to endorse it. Their statement also notes that all five council members voted to put the measure on the ballot, and no argument against it was filed with the city.

"It's a small amount of pay – an extra dollar on every $400 - and if we don't vote to give it to the city now, we will give it to another, less local government soon," the CCDC's release reads.

The Culver City Chamber of Commerce also released a statement highlighting the funding's stated intent as a key reason to support Measure CL. Also known as the Culver City Neighborhood Services and Community Safety Measure, the measure's stated uses for CL revenue on the ballot include supporting firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, as well as funding the ongoing operations of homelessness services.

"The chamber recognizes that Measure CL represents a fiscally responsible, proactive step to protect local services before regional agencies like Los Angeles County or LA Metro implement broader sales tax increases that Culver City residents would be subject to without receiving direct local benefit," the statement reads.

Ballots for Measure CL must be turned in to one of three ballot boxes in Culver City or mailed in by August 26. Voters can also drop their ballots off at City Hall.