Taxpayers Association Supports Renewal of Chula Vista Sales Tax on November Ballot

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association announced its support for extending Chula Vista’s Measure P — a half-cent sales tax approved initially in November 2016.

Measure P was approved as a temporary, ten-year, sales tax to fund high priority infrastructure and maintenance projects around the city. By renewing the measure, voters would continue this source of funding for an additional 10 years at the current rate — without raising taxes.

“This extension is the last ask of taxpayers, a bridge to Chula Vista’s fiscal stability and long-term structural soundness. We wish we heard this promise from other cities, especially San Diego,” said Mike McLaughlin, chairman of the board of the taxpayers association about the measure.

According to the city of Chula Vista, as of March 2023, the sales tax has raised $140.1 million in revenue which has been reinvested into the city. The revenue has been allocated towards city infrastructure upgrades, investment in public safety, and public facility renovations. One major project that has benefited from this is the renovation of Rohr Park, Chula Vista’s largest park, basketball courts, picnic benches, new restroom facilities, and other amenities.

The renewal of Measure P would support priorities such as fixing potholes and paving and maintaining local streets, maintaining parks and recreation facilities, and improving roads and intersections to better manage traffic congestion.

“Chula Vista is one of the better run cities in our region,” said Haney Hong, the taxpayers association’s president and CEO. “The city’s management makes long-term plans within the policy constraints given to them by their city council, and they get it done. Management delivers on the promises they make.”

The extension of Measure P is one of over 30 measures that the association is examining this election cycle. Plans are to continue to announce more County recommendations in the coming weeks to inform voters on ballot measures and policy proposals they will see on the ballot this November.

The taxpayers association is a nonpartisan group of individuals, businesses, and organizations who promote effective and efficient government on behalf of all San Diego County taxpayers.