02/18/2026
TOMORROW NIGHT
Wednesday February 18th
Where LaSierra Senior Center
Time 6:00 pm Potluck and socialization
6:30 pm the meeting will begin
Are you ready for TAX increases for Riverside residents?
WHAT is proposed for TAXING Riverside residents? We get to vote on taxes, so get informed!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Mike Futrell, City Manager
Tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 18, City Manager Mike Futrell will explain the 4 new tax proposals on which our council will vote on February 24.
If you come late, help yourself to the potluck, then join in the meeting! This meeting is open to everyone and is hosted by RRR - Residents for Responsible Representation.
If you can, please arrive early to enjoy the potluck and socializing before the meeting. Remember, what YOU bring is what is in the pot! 😊
When Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Where LaSierra Senior Center
Time 6:00 pm Potluck and socialization
6:30 pm the meeting will begin
New taxes proposed by the Riverside City Council in 2026
The Riverside City Council is currently evaluating four potential revenue measures for the June 2, 2026, ballot. On January 26, 2026, the council directed staff to return with formal proposals by February 24, 2026, to meet the March 6 deadline for ballot placement.
Proposed City Tax Measures for 2026
The primary options under consideration include:
1. Sales Tax Increase: A proposed 0.25% (quarter-cent) increase, which would raise the local sales tax rate from 8.75% to 9.00%. This is estimated to generate $21 million in general-purpose funds annually.
2. Measure Z Extension: Extending Measure Z, an existing 1% sales tax currently set to expire in 2036. Without an extension, the city faces a projected $103 million revenue loss in 2036.
3. Hotel Tax (Transient Occupancy Tax) Increase: An increase from 13% to 14%. This tax is paid primarily by visitors and could generate $6.8 million annually to support a proposed $200 million Convention Center expansion.
4. Combined Measure: A package that both extends Measure Z and adds the quarter-cent increase, securing approximately $103 million in total annual revenue.
Key Rationale and Deadlines
* Purpose: While City Manager Mike Futrell stated the current budget is "strong," he stated these measures are intended to address "unmet needs," specifically in fire department staffing ($26.1 million needed) and infrastructure projects like the convention center.
Next CC Meeting: The City Council is scheduled to make a final decision on which measures to place on the ballot during the February 24, 2026, meeting.
* Timing: Under California law, local tax measures can only be placed on even-year election ballots (2026, 2028, or 2030)