Berkeley voters may be asked to consider a ballot measure next year that would increase property taxes to generate money for performing arts organizations, which have struggled to bounce back from the pandemic and fear they can no longer rely on federal funding. A new coalition of arts groups that includes Berkeley Repertory Theater, Berkeley Symphony Orchestra and the Freight & Salvage announced last week that it will start collecting signatures for a parcel tax of 7 cents per square foot.
The district, formed in 1948, today operates a 415-bed acute care hospital. For the current and past two fiscal years, the district shows operating losses of about $30 million annually, or about 3.5% of its operating expenses. Measure B would cover about $13 million of that shortfall. Those taxes would be on top of the district's bond program, which voters in 2020 agreed to increase to pay for hospital seismic improvements.
We appreciate that your office is considering a local ballot measure to fund Muni via a parcel tax. Even if a regional funding measure passes at the ballot, Muni will still face a growing annual deficit of over $150 million. The stakes could not be higher. San Francisco's economic recovery, climate goals, and basic mobility for working people all depend on a stable, well-funded public transit system.
