Dear Chamber Members,
Thank you for making your voices heard.
Over the past seven weeks, many of you responded to our surveys, emailed the City Council, submitted public comments, and shared how the proposed Business License Tax would affect your business. Your input made a difference.
Last night, the City Council voted to postpone the proposed Business License Tax until 2028.
This is an important outcome, and it happened because our business community paid attention, shared real concerns, and helped make the impact of this proposal clear.
While this proposal has been delayed, it has not gone away. The modernization of the Business License Tax is expected to return in 2028, and many businesses may still see an increase in their business license taxes.
The difference is time.
Rather than asking businesses to adapt to a significant change within the next several months, this delay allows the time to better understand the proposed rate structure, evaluate its impacts, and ensure businesses are informed and prepared. We believe this is a much better short-term outcome for our members and for the broader San Leandro business community.
Throughout this process, one message was clear: the proposed increase was too significant to put in front of the voters and implement on such an accelerated timeline. We appreciate that a majority of the City Council agreed additional time was needed.
Looking ahead, your Chamber will encourage the City to utilize our Industry Roundtable forum as a collaborative group to engage directly and transparently with all of you to better understand our diverse industries before bringing a new proposal forward. Every industry is different, and those perspectives should help shape any future Business License Tax proposal.
As always, the Chamber’s role remains the same: to advocate for our members while working collaboratively with local government to develop thoughtful solutions that support businesses, residents, and the long-term success of our community.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to participate. Your voices mattered, your engagement made a difference, and we are grateful to represent such a committed and engaged business community.
With appreciation and respect,
Emily
O: 510-317-1400
emilyg@sanleandrochamber.com | s
This email was sent on behalf of San Leandro Chamber of Commerce located at 120 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577. If you have questions or comments concerning this email contact San Leandro Chamber of Commerce at info@sanleandrochamber.com.