Summary
The city is quietly moving toward a November 2026 ballot measure to modernize the business license tax, untouched for nearly 50 years. A consultant is being hired to build a fiscal model, and a community poll could happen within weeks. Estimates discussed ranged from $13-21 million (union estimate) to a prior assessment well below a $28 million figure.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
Estimates range from $13-21 million in new annual revenue (union estimate), though a prior assessment suggested less.
The city's general fund and preserved services — if voters approve it.
Hayward businesses, especially smaller ones, worry about added costs; critics also want street vendors included.
Mentions & discussions (8)
City Council — October 20, 2026
The council advanced cleanup of the business license tax's administrative rules, tied to the Measure CC ballot measure. It includes an affordable housing exemption and clearer appeals — but only takes effect if voters approve Measure CC.
City Council — June 2, 2026
The council is sending a modernized business license tax to voters this November — the first update since 1978. It's a progressive gross-receipts structure projected to raise about $16 million a year, roughly $12.3 million more than today, to help close the budget deficit.
City Council — May 19, 2026
The Chamber of Commerce warned that a proposed business license tax increase — more than triple the current rate — could push employers out of Hayward and asked for a phased approach. SEIU 1021 countered that bolder revenue collection could bring in an additional $7 million. The item comes before the council next month.
City Council — May 12, 2026
The city wants to modernize its business license tax and put it on the November ballot, projected to raise about $11 million a year. Unions say a $50 million+ gross receipts bracket could capture $7 million more; staff worries higher rates could drive businesses away or sink the measure.
City Council — April 7, 2026
Hayward's business license tax hasn't been updated since 1978. The proposed 'match neighbors' structure would raise about $14.4 million a year for general fund services like police, fire, and blight removal, and polling shows 68% voter support. Labor groups want higher rates on some industries; small landlords want relief on residential rentals.
City Council — February 28, 2026
Hayward's business license tax hasn't changed in nearly 50 years and brings in far less than neighboring cities. Staff propose a "match the neighbors" plan roughly tripling the tax to raise about $8.8 million a year, with a ballot measure possible this November.
City Council — January 20, 2026
The city's business license tax hasn't been updated in decades, and staff with consultant Blue Sky are studying a possible update — potentially a progressive structure where big businesses pay higher rates — that could go to voters in November. Councilmembers want small businesses protected and landlords included.
City Council — January 6, 2026
The city is quietly moving toward a November 2026 ballot measure to modernize the business license tax, untouched for nearly 50 years. A consultant is being hired to build a fiscal model, and a community poll could happen within weeks. Estimates discussed ranged from $13-21 million (union estimate) to a prior assessment well below a $28 million figure.
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