Measure Y

City of Berkeley Arts Tax Measure

Measure Y would create a special parcel tax to fund grants for performing arts organizations, art projects, art organization operational and programmatic expenses and capital projects, community festivals, and administrative costs, with oversight by the City's Civic Arts Commission. The parcel tax will be established at a rate of $0.07 per square foot of improvements.

This measure requires approval by a majority of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure Y is estimated to generate approximately $6,300,000 annually and $84,800,000 over its twelve-year duration.

Next Alameda County Measure: Measure Z

See Endorsements for Measure Y

Pro:

Supporters say YES on Y preserves Berkeley's nonprofit performing arts theater, music, dance, and visual arts venues for children, adults, and seniors, maintaining Berkeley as an arts and cultural destination for generations to come. It also supports grants for individual artists from diverse backgrounds. They say Berkeley's creative economy supports 8,000 jobs, contributes $10 million in annual City revenue, and makes our downtown and neighborhoods more vibrant.

A YES vote on this measure means: you support the proposed special parcel tax of $0.07 per square foot of improvements to fund City arts programs.

Con:

Opponents say Taxpayers should not be forced to underwrite an organization's decision to produce works that discourage paying audiences. They say the measure lacks accountability as it includes no guardrails, sets out complex rules and sets no objective criteria for how tax dollars are awarded.

A NO vote on this measure means: you are against the proposed special parcel tax of $0.07 per square foot of improvements to fund City arts programs.

Background

Arts and culture are a critical part of what makes Berkeley a special place to live. Berkeley has long been a nationally recognized cultural capital home to a diverse, vibrant, and historically significant arts community. With over 150 nonprofit arts and culture organizations across theater, music, opera, dance, visual arts, film, festivals, literary arts, and arts education, Berkeley's identity as a progressive, creative, and inclusive city is inseparable from its artistic ecosystem.

Public investment is urgently needed to preserve and revitalize Berkeley's arts and cultural sector. "À dedicated, long-term funding stream is necessary to ensure the survival and resurgence of our arts institutions.

Proposal

If approved, Measure Y would impose a special parcel tax to fund arts institutions and programs through grants. If adopted, the tax would be imposed starting January 1, 2027, at a rate of $0.07 per square foot of improvements on all properties, excluding properties (1) owned and occupied by low-income seniors or very low-income households; (2) owned by tax-exempt religious or educational organizations; (3) where at least 60% of units are designated affordable housing; or (4) that are transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Proceeds would be placed into a special fund and allocated as follows:

75% for performing arts organizations.
5% for individual artist projects or art organization operational and programmatic expenses.
10% for capital projects for arts organizations.
5% for community festivals, including art fairs, cultural celebrations, or other limited-time events.
5% for grant program administrative costs.

Source: Measure Y Impartial Analysis

Alameda County Election Resources

Pro:

Con:

Background

Proposal

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