Opinion: A vacancy tax won't help downtown or Cal Ave. - Palo Alto Daily Post
Briefly

Palo Alto's commercial areas are deteriorating, marked by crime and neglect, leading to empty storefronts and a diminishing retail presence that reflects broader trends.
The locking away of merchandise in local stores signals to customers that safety is a concern. City leaders need to prioritize cleanup to restore community confidence.
Vacancy taxes are being considered by City Council to address landlords holding on to properties in hopes of higher rents. The reality is lower rents are necessary.
The shift to remote work has led to a significant loss of office workers, a crucial customer base for local retailers, compounding the struggles of Palo Alto's businesses.
Read at Padailypost
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