City of Carmel-by-the-Sea New 2% Transient Occupancy Tax
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea · Monterey County · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
To upgrade streets/sidewalks, address beach erosion, enhance wildfire preparedness, maintain City trees, and fund other general government purposes in City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, shall the measure establishing a new 2% transient occupancy tax, paid by lodging guests, in addition to the existing 10% transient occupancy tax, increasing the total tax rate to 12%, with the new 2% tax generating approximately $1,900,000 annually, and the total 12% tax generating $11,700,000 annually, until ended by voters, be adopted?
In plain language
Measure M would add a new 2% hotel tax in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is called a transient occupancy tax, and lodging guests pay it. It would be on top of the current 10% tax, for a total of 12%. The money could pay for street and sidewalk upgrades, beach erosion, wildfire preparedness, city trees, and other general city purposes. The tax would last until voters end it. A YES vote adds the new 2% tax. A NO vote means the new tax is not added, and the total stays at the existing 10%.
Fiscal impact
A new 2% tax on lodging guests, raising about $1,900,000 a year; the total 12% tax would raise about $11,700,000 a year. Lasts until ended by voters.
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.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
No public statements in favor were found.
Opponents say
No public statements against were found.