Measure J: Transactions and Use Tax

In plain language

Measure J is a Palo Alto city measure. It would raise money for community services. A YES vote adds a 0.5% sales tax. This could raise about $15,600,000 a year. It would continue until voters end it. The spending would be published with financial audits. All the money would be spent locally. It would help repair the Cubberley Community Center for safety and access. It would upgrade old electrical, wiring, and plumbing systems. It would help buy outdoor space. It would maintain streets and downtown areas. It would help prepare for natural disasters. And it would repair libraries and other community spaces. A NO vote does not add this sales tax.

Fiscal impact

This is a 0.5% (1/2 cent) sales tax. It would raise about $15,600,000 each year. It lasts until voters end it.

Impartial analysis

City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure J for the November 3, 2026 Election Measure J, the City of Palo Alto Community Safety/Services Measure, would authorize a 0.5% (one-half of one percent) increase to the transactions and use tax (commonly known as a sales tax) in the City of Palo Alto. The Palo Alto City Council placed this measure on the ballot by unanimous vote. This measure requires approval by a simple majority of voters voting on the measure and will remain in effect unless it is repealed by the voters. The City estimates that this measure will generate revenues of approximately $15.6 million per year. Measure J is a general tax, meaning that proceeds of the tax will be deposited in the City’s general fund and can be used for any lawful governmental purpose. In June 2026, the City Council passed a resolution adopting advisory spending guidelines that stated the Council’s intention to use the proceeds to purchase seven-acres of the Cubberley Community Center from the Palo Alto Unified School District. The advisory spending guidelines also state Council’s intention to modernize the Cubberley Community Center. The plan includes renovation of some existing buildings, new construction, and new outdoor park spaces. If approved, the new sales tax rate would become effective in April 2027. Measure J changes nothing else about the local sales tax. What items are taxable, the method of collection, implementation, exemptions, and other provisions would remain unchanged. If this measure does not pass, the local sales tax will not increase by the 0.5% proposed in this measure, and the City of Palo Alto will not receive an estimated $15.6 million in revenue per year from the tax. A “yes” vote is a vote to approve a 0.5% increase to the transactions and use tax (commonly known as a sales tax) within the City. A “no” vote is a vote not to approve the increase to the transactions and use tax. Christopher D. Jensen City Attorney City of Palo Alto

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.