We showed up. We're still here. TOT ballot measure moves forward

We’d like to extend a digital high five to the more than three dozen arts advocates who sent emails to the Mayor and City Council or showed up to speak out at the February 10 council meeting about the need for greater reciprocity between the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and the creative sector.

While the council ultimately decided unanimously to place the proposed TOT increase on the June ballot as written — with no dedicated funding for arts and cultural programs — many councilmembers expressed an interest in pursuing other avenues to support our community.

We’d particularly like to thank Councilmember Michael Mulcahy (District 6) for providing his colleagues with a history lesson and sharing a desire for the city to move toward 100% of TOT funds going to arts organizations. This is SJAA’s ultimate goal, and we’re glad to see we may have a champion on the dais to move it forward.

As we continue to meet with councilmembers and other city leaders to educate them on our key priorities, SJAA will hold them accountable and call on them to translate their words into tangible actions that will help local creatives and our experience economy not only survive but thrive.

We invite you to join this effort. If you’d like to get more involved on our Core Team and contribute to our advocacy work, please send us an email today.

We welcome your perspective, your passion, and your participation.