Measure HT

In plain language

Measure HT is a City of Alhambra measure about the hotel tax. Right now, hotels and motels pay a 12% tax when guests stay less than 30 days. A YES vote would keep the tax rate at 12% but change the rules so short-term lodging rentals also have to pay it. This would bring in about $134,000 more each year for city services like fire protection, paramedics, 911 response, and street and park upkeep. The city would control all the money. A NO vote would leave the tax rules as they are now, without adding short-term lodging.

Fiscal impact

The hotel/motel tax rate stays at 12% for stays up to 30 days. It would also apply to short-term lodging. This would raise about $134,000 more each year for city services. It lasts until voters end it.

Impartial analysis

CITY ATTORNEY’S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF CITY OF ALHAMBRA MEASURE __, UPDATED TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (“TOT”) On July 27, 2026, the City Council unanimously authorized placing Measure ___ on the ballot for consideration by the electorate at the November 3, 2026, election. If approved by a majority of the City of Alhambra (“City”) voters, Measure __ would authorize two sets of amendments to the City’s transient occupancy tax (“TOT”), as a general tax (“Proposed Tax”). The City’s existing TOT ordinance, codified at Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 5.70 (“Existing TOT”), imposes a tax on guests of hotels and motels (“lodging”) at the rate of 12% of the rent charged to the guest by the lodging operator. Lodging guests are referred to as “transients,” and the Existing TOT: (a) defines “transients” as people with a right to occupy a lodging for 21 consecutive calendar days or less, and (b) separately defines “hotels” and “motels” in a manner that is limited to lodging facilities that either have six or more rooms (motel) or provide additional services such as restaurants and meeting rooms (hotel). The Proposed Tax would amend the definition of “hotel” to include “motel” as well as any facility that provides temporary lodging to people. Thus, the Proposed Tax would not require a “hotel” to have a minimum number of rooms, or provide additional services, and “hotel” would include any short-term rental of a residential dwelling to a person that meets the definition of “transient.” The Proposed Tax would amend the definition of “transient” to include any person with a right to occupy a hotel for 30 consecutive calendar days or less (as opposed to 21 days under the Existing TOT). This is consistent with state law that authorizes the City to impose a TOT on a person occupying lodging for up to 30 days. (Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280.) The Proposed Tax would not amend the existing 12% TOT rate. However, the existing TOT rate will be applied to the newly defined “transients” occupying “hotels” to generate additional revenue of approximately $134,000 per year. The TOT is a general tax because the City may use the revenue to fund any lawful City program or service. The Proposed Tax would remain in effect until ended by a majority of City voters at a subsequent election. A “yes” vote on Measure __ is a vote in favor of the Proposed Tax, which would amend the definitions of “transient” and “hotel” under the Existing TOT. A “no” vote on Measure __ is a vote against the Proposed Tax, which would not amend the definitions of “transient” and “hotel” under the Existing TOT. The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure __. If you desire a copy of Measure __, please call the City’s elections official at (XXX) XXX-XXXX and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

Official ballot arguments

Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.

The official arguments will appear here once both sides’ arguments are on file.