Should the city Municipal Code be amended to allow the City to collect funds for parks, recreational centers, pools, playgrounds, waterways, beaches, green spaces, open spaces and increase park equity in the City of Los Angeles through a tax of approximately 8.4 cents per square foot on improved parcels, reduced to approximately 2.2 cents upon completion of certain programs or in 30 years with citizen oversight and exemptions for low-income households?
City of Los AngelesMeasure SP - 2/3 Approval Required
City of Los Angeles
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Shall an ordinance providing funding for parks, recreational centers, pools, playgrounds, waterways, beaches, green spaces, open spaces, childcare and other facilities, and increasing park equity in the City of Los Angeles, through a tax of $0.08414 per square foot on improved parcels, reduced to $0.0222 upon completion of certain programs or in 30 years, with citizen oversight and exemptions for low-income households, generating approximately $227 million annually, be adopted?
What is this proposal?
Pros & Cons — Unbiased explanation with arguments for and against
Information provided by League of Women Voters of Greater Los Angeles
The Question
The Situation
In 1996, voters approved Proposition K: LA for Kids Program, which created a citywide assessment district to fund the acquisition, development, improvement and restoration of parks and recreational facilities. Proposition K funds will expire in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
The Proposal
The measure would authorize a new parcel tax of approximately 8.4 cents per square foot on improved parcels. The tax would be reduced to 2.2 cents per square foot upon completion of capital programs included in this measure or in 30 years, whichever occurs first.
Funds would be dedicated to the rehabilitation, remediation, improvement, development and acquisition of open spaces and recreational venues such as museums, theaters, L.A. Zoo, and civic green spaces as well as costs for operation, maintenance and citizen oversight. The measure would provide exemptions for low-income households and parcels owned by non-profits and government bodies. A Citizen Oversight Committee will make recommendations to the City on projects to be funded. Distribution of the special tax funds will be prioritized based on the City’s equity index with the goal of providing park-poor communities with safe healthful access to parks and recreational facilities. The tax is expected to generate approximately $227.4 million in annual revenue beginning in Fiscal Year 2023-24, and which will be reduced to $60 million no later than FY 2053-54.
Fiscal effect
Proposition SP imposes a new parcel tax on properties based on the square footage of improvements at a rate of 8.4cents per square foot of parcel improvements. An average house of 1,500 square feet would pay an annual tax of approximately $126. The tax would be reduced to 2.2 cents per square foot upon completion of capital programs or in 30 years, whichever comes first. This measure is not anticipated to have a significant impact on City finances as program expenses would be fully funded from the proceeds of the parcel tax.
Supporters say
Our parks must be safe and clean for all of us to use. Funding is running out. Too many local parks and recreation centers are in need of rehabilitation, and many are not accessible for people with disabilities.
More than 100,000 Los Angeles kids participate in organized afterschool and summer programs, which help keep kids on the right track and out of trouble. This measure supports these vital programs and helps reduce gang activity.
Proposition SP will fix unsafe conditions at neighborhood parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, senior centers and other facilities.
Opponents say
Proposition SP will cost each property owner thousands of dollars over 30 years. An owner of a 1,500 square feet home would pay an additional $1,893.15 in just the first 15 years.
In 1996 voters passed Proposition K, a tax increase for parks that ends in 2026. The new tax will raise taxes $227 million per year, which is 10 times as much as Proposition K, which cost $25 million per year. There are doubts that the City has the capability to manage an aggressive capital expenditure program over the next ten years.
This is a back-door tax to pay for the 2028 Summer Olympics when several Recreation and Park facilities will be serving as venues for various competitions.
Details — Official information
Impartial analysis / Proposal
SHARON M. TSO, CHIEF LEGISLATIVE ANALYST
In 1996, voters approved the passage of Proposition K: LA for Kids Program (Proposition
K) which created a citywide assessment that has generated $25 million annually for the
acquisition, development, improvement and restoration of parks and recreational facilities.
Proposition K will expire in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 and will result in the loss of funding to
support parks and recreational facilities.
The proposed measure on the ballot would amend the Municipal Code to allow the City to
collect funds for the rehabilitation, remediation, improvement, development, and acquisition
of open spaces and recreational venues, such as museums, theaters, the Los Angeles Zoo,
and civic green spaces, waterways and water elements, such as the Los Angeles River,
Sepulveda Basin, lakes, dams, reservoirs, and beaches and park facilities, such as regional
parks, recreation centers, pools and bathhouses, childcare facilities, senior centers, trails,
picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, and other open public spaces, along with
their operation and maintenance, through the imposition of a special parcel tax on improved
real property parcels within the City. The distribution of the special tax funds will be prioritized
based on the City’s equity index with the goal of providing park poor communities with safe
healthful access to parks and recreational facilities.
If approved, the special parcel tax rate to be imposed shall be $0.08414 per square footage
of improvement (generating approximately $227 million annually) on real property parcels
beginning in FY 2023-24 and reduced to $0.0222 (approximately $60 million annually) upon
completion of capital programs or in FY 2053-54, whichever occurs first.
The measure provides exemptions from the special parcel tax for parcels owned by non-
profits, low income households, and government bodies. The City shall establish the
procedures and guidelines for parcel owners to apply for an exemption from the special
parcel tax.
Unless the City Council seeks another method for collection of the special parcel tax, such
tax shall be levied and collected by the County at the same time and manner, and subject
to the same penalties, and interest as ad valorem property taxes collected by the County no
sooner than July 1, 2023.
Monies collected from the special parcel tax, including penalties and interest, shall be
deposited in a fund entitled “Parks and Recreational Facilities Special Parcel Tax Fund”
(Fund). Monies deposited in the Fund shall not be subject to reversion to the City’s Reserve
Fund. Any interest earnings generated by the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be used for
the purposes for which the special parcel tax is imposed.
A Citizens Oversight Committee shall be established by ordinance to make recommendations
on projects to be funded from the special parcel tax and to monitor the implementation and
performance of the projects, programs, and services funded by the special parcel tax. An
Administrative Oversight Committee, consisting of the Mayor, City Administrative Officer,
and the Chief Legislative Analyst, shall be established by ordinance to review, amend, and
adopt any project recommendations prepared by the Citizens Oversight Committee based on
funding priorities and awards. Such recommendations shall consider the City’s equity index,
as amended from time to time by the City, with the goal of providing park poor communities
access to City Open Spaces and Recreational Venues, City Waterways and Water Elements,
and/or Park Facilities.
The Controller shall prepare and present to the City Council an annual report identifying all
receipts and expenditures associated with the Fund in accordance with state law.
This measure will become effective if approved by no less than two-thirds of the voters voting.
Published Arguments — Arguments for and against
Arguments FOR
We all need safe, clean parks. Today, our parks need our help.That’s why we need Measure SP.
We absolutely must address homelessness in our neighborhood parks. This can be done humanely, in partnership with local religious organizations, nonprofits and social service organizations – but it must be done. Our parks must be safe and clean for all of us to use.
More than 100,000 LA kids participate in organized afterschool and summer programs, which help keep kids on the right track and out of trouble. Measure SP supports these vital programs and helps reduce gang activity.
Too many local parks and recreation centers suffer from asbestos, mold, leaky roofs, lack of safe drinking water, termite damage, decaying walls, bad plumbing, old gas and sewer lines, unsafe lighting and restrooms. Too many are not accessible for people with disabilities, and often for senior citizens.
We need Measure SP to fix these problems.
Measure SP will maintain safe drinking water at parks and rec centers.
Measure SP will fix unsafe conditions at neighborhood parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, senior centers and other facilities to keep us safe.
Measure SP also helps fight ongoing drought and protect water quality.
Measure SP cleans up our parks, beaches and natural areas, keeping trash and pollutants out of local creeks, rivers, lakes, coastal waters and beaches.
Measure SP prevents contamination of our critical local groundwater.
Measure SP saves money and helps protect our scarce local drinking water supplies, through water conservation, including drought-tolerant plants and increased use of recycled water for playfields, landscaping, grass and natural areas.
Measure SP also removes dead trees and dried brush to reduce wildfire risks and protect our neighborhoods.
Measure SP includes strict accountability and public disclosure of all spending.
We all need safe, clean parks. Vote Yes on SP!
JOE BUSCAINO
Councilmember
City of Los Angeles
ROBERT ARIAS
Chair
San Fernando Coalition on Gangs
GREGORY BOYLE
Founder
Homeboy Industries
CAROLYN RAMSAY
Executive Director
LA Parks Foundation
DR. ALICE “SWEET ALICE” HARRIS
Founder
Parents of Watts
JIMMY KIM
General Manager
L.A. City Recreation & Parks
Arguments AGAINST
VOTE NO on PROPOSITION SP because it will cost taxpayers thousands of dollars over
30 years.
Proposition SP will cost every homeowner $84.14 per 1,000 square feet of their home per year. The owner of a 1,500-sq-ft. home would pay an additional $1,893.15 in just the first 15 years.
VOTE NO on PROPOSITION SP because it’s a massive tax increase.
In 1996, voters passed Proposition K, a tax increase for parks that ends in 2026. Politicians want to replace the expiring tax with a new tax increase. However, Proposition SP will raise taxes $227 MILLION PER YEAR. That’s nearly 10 times as much as Proposition K, which cost $25 million per year.
VOTE NO on PROPOSITION SP because it’s a back-door tax to pay for the Olympics
Last December, Councilman Joe Buscaino presented a motion to direct the city to hire a consultant to develop a ballot measure to raise $2.1 billion for Recreation and Parks improvements. The motion stated, “With the City hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics, and several of Recreation & Parks facilities serving as venues for various competitions, we must act now, to ensure all needed upgrades and repairs are completed prior to the games.” Proposition SP is a tax increase to pay for the Olympics.
VOTE NO on PROPOSITION SP because it’s THREE TIMES MORE THAN NEEDED
The planned $2.1 billion tax increase has turned into Proposition SP, which raises taxes by more than triple that amount. The City Council wanted to spend more, so in May, the City Administrative Officer outlined a $4.6 billion tax increase. Then in June, the Council identified “other potential projects” that required tax hikes, including the massive L.A. River overhaul. Proposition SP will cost $6.8 billion!
VOTE NO on PROPOSITION SP.
For More Information:
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
213-384-9656
www.NoNewTaxes.net
JON COUPAL
President
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH
Los Angeles County Supervisor
Ret., 1980-2016
JACK HUMPHREVILLE
Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate
Replies to Arguments FOR
PROPOSITION SP INCREASES PROPERTY TAXES BY $84.14 PER 1,000 SQUARE FEET.
The owner of a 1,500-square-foot home will pay an additional $1,893.15 in just the first 15 years!
TAXPAYERS ARE ALREADY PAYING TO MAINTAIN THE PARKS, BUT THE CITY IS DIVERTING THE MONEY.
The City Council diverts money from the current parks budget by charging Recreation and Parks for city services provided free to other departments. According to Recreation and Parks’ own website, “These indirect costs now account for over 23% ($43 million) of the entire Department’s budget.” (Source: www.laparks.org/department on 8/21/22)
PROPOSITION SP IS A TAX TO PAY FOR THE OLYMPICS.
Councilman Joe Buscaino admitted in a 2021 City Council motion that a tax increase was needed for “upgrades” to Recreation and Parks facilities for the 2028 Olympics. Proposition SP is a $6.8 billion tax increase for 30 years!
VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION SP.
More Information:
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
213-384-9656
www.NoNewTaxes.net
JON COUPAL
President
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH
Los Angeles County Supervisor
1980-2016, Ret.
JACK HUMPHREVILLE
Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate
DANIEL M. YUKELSON
Executive Director
Apartment Association of Greater
Los Angeles
Replies to Arguments AGAINST
Let’s be clear: Measure SP has nothing to do with the Olympics.
The Olympics aren’t mentioned in Measure SP or its expenditure plan. That false argument is bad-faith politics.
Measure SP funds can only be spent on one thing: keeping LA’s 1,100 neighborhood parks, playgrounds, senior, recreation, youth and community centers clean and safe.
More than 100,000 LA kids rely on safe places to play for afterschool and summer programs, which are essential for reducing gang activity and helping kids stay on the right track.
Angelenos of all ages, from all neighborhoods, rely on local parks, senior centers, recreation centers and community centers, all the time.
Funding from 1996 is running out. It’s time to renew local funding to improve public safety, address homelessness and make sure these important public places are safe and clean for all of us to use.
Vote Yes on SP – we all need Safe Parks!
JOE BUSCAINO
Councilmember
City of Los Angeles
STEPHANIE VENDIG
President
Los Angeles Federation of
Senior Citizen Clubs
EDWARD JAMES OLMOS
Actor
CANDICE DICKENS-RUSSELL
President and CEO
Friends of the Los Angeles River
KAREN BASS
Member of Congress
EVELYN HERNANDEZ
Health Educator
Wilmington Community Clinic
RICK CARUSO
Businessman
REV. SHANE B. SCOTT
Senior Pastor
Macedonia Baptist Church, Watts
TONY BROWN
CEO
Heart of Los Angeles Programs for
Underserved Youth
TRACY QUINN
President and CEO
Heal the Bay
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