Ballot Measure Question
HAYWARD BUSINESS LICENSE TAX MODERNIZATION: Shall the measure updating the Hayward Business License Tax for the first time since 1978, to support general city services, including neighborhood police protection, firefighting, 911 response, libraries, and pothole repair, generating an additional $12 million annually until repealed, with a minimum tax of $60 and rates from $.30 to $3.75 per $1,000 of gross receipts, with higher rates for higher-grossing businesses, as stated in the ordinance, be adopted?
Synopsis of the Measure
The November 3, 2026, proposed ballot measure would modernize the City’s Business License Tax structure for the time since 1978 by transitioning from a system of flat annual fees and employee counts toward a more progressive gross receipts-based framework.
Proposed Ballot Measure
Coming soon
Staff Report
Resolutions
Key Dates
Date | Action |
|---|---|
| June 2, 2026 | City Council approved placing the measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot |
| August 3, 2026 | Deadline to file City Attorney Impartial Analysis with City Clerk |
| August 7, 2026 | Deadline to file with County Board of Supervisors and Alameda County Registrar of Voters the ballot measure question, ballot measure full text, and City Attorney Impartial Analysis (EC 9280-9287) |
| August 10, 2026 (noon, 12 p.m.) | Last day to file direct arguments with City Clerk (EC 9282, 9286) |
| August 10-20, 2026 | Public review period for direct arguments (EC 9295) |
| August 14, 2026 (noon, 12 p.m.) | Last day to file rebuttal arguments with City Clerk (EC 9285, 9286) |
| August 14-24, 2026 | Public review period for rebuttal arguments (EC 9295) |
| August 24, 2026 | Deadline to submit direct and rebuttal arguments to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters |
| November 3, 2026 | Election Day |
| EC = Elections Code | |
Argument Information
In accordance with California Elections Code Sections 9282, 9283, 9285, 9286:
Primary arguments for or against a ballot measure may not exceed 300 words.
Rebuttal arguments for or against a ballot measure may not exceed 250 words.
Word count will be determined using the standards outlined in Elections Code Section 9.
Notice of Ballot Measure
Coming Soon
Impartial Analysis by the City Attorney
Coming Soon
