Measure O Endorsement

Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and the Walnut Creek Downtown Association Boards Endorse Ballot Measure to Provide Funds to Address Public Safety, Homelessness, and Community Facilities

(Walnut Creek, CA.) It was announced this week that the Chamber of Commerce and the Walnut Creek Downtown Association Boards of Directors both endorsed Measure O to support the City of Walnut Creek’s sales tax measure slated for the November 8, 2022 ballot.

This ballot measure asks voters to choose whether to approve a half-cent increase to the City’s current sales tax that would be effective for 10 years. The funds used, with City Council approval, provide the essential public services and facilities that maintain Walnut Creek’s high quality of life. All voters living within the City of Walnut Creek boundaries registered by October 24 will be eligible to vote on this measure.

Walnut Creek’s current sales tax rate is 8.75%, which is currently the lowest of all cities in Contra Costa County. If this ballot measure is approved in the November 8 election Walnut Creek will move to a 9.25% sales tax rate. Currently, the City receives 1% of the current sales tax for City funded programs. The sales tax will be generated by visitors and residents who make purchases (other than those exempted) within the City limits. Approximately half of the sales tax revenue generated annually by the City of Walnut Creek comes from non-residents.

The funds from this tax measure will be put towards public safety; homelessness intervention programs and services; maintaining youth, senior and arts programs; local business support; downtown improvements; and repairing, renovating, and replacing aging City facilities. Independent financial audits, an oversight committee and regular public reporting ensure proper spending as voters intended with these funds.

Contact Information:

Kathy Hemmenway, Executive Director, Walnut Creek Downtown Association, kathy@walnutcreekdowntown.com

Bob Linscheid, President/CEO, Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau bobl@walnut-creek.com

Click here for more information about Walnut Creek Essential City Services Funding.