Budget and Finance
Emeryville is currently operating under a $10 million structural deficit—meaning the city spends more than it takes in, regardless of how well the economy is doing. City staff projects this shortfall will grow to $14.5 million by 2030. Without smart, sustainable revenue solutions, Emeryville will eventually be forced to cut essential public services.
To protect our neighborhood services without placing new burdens on residents or struggling small businesses, I support a common-sense approach to fiscal management.
Reforming the Business License Tax
Currently, a multinational corporation in Emeryville pays the exact same tax rate (0.1% of gross receipts) as a local artist or hairstylist. I support the November ballot measure to modernize this system. By raising the tax cap for major corporate entities to $800,000 and eliminating the gross receipts tax entirely for small businesses earning under $100,000, Emeryville can generate up to $6 million annually in new revenue—cutting our budget deficit in half while giving small businesses real relief.
Leveraging Existing Revenue Streams
As a councilmember, I will work with city staff to maximize existing revenue sources—like the hotel tax—to close the remaining budget gap without raising taxes on local households.
Transparent Oversight
True fiscal discipline means holding city management accountable for contract execution, project timelines, and cost overruns before asking residents to pay more.