Santa Rosa Considers Sales Tax Hike to Address Budget Woes

City poll shows majority support for potential one-cent sales tax measure to fund public safety and infrastructure

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:39pm

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A serene, painterly depiction of the Santa Rosa City Hall building, its facade and windows bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic contemplation and financial uncertainty.The iconic Santa Rosa City Hall stands as a symbol of the city's financial challenges, as officials consider a sales tax hike to maintain essential public services.Santa Rosa Today

A recent poll commissioned by the city of Santa Rosa found qualified support for renewing the city's existing general sales tax and even doubling the half-cent rate to help address a long-term budget deficit. The survey showed that a majority of respondents would likely support a one-cent sales tax measure, which could bring in an estimated $46 million annually to maintain public safety and infrastructure.

Why it matters

Santa Rosa is facing a growing budget deficit due to increasing payroll costs and declining sales tax revenues. The potential sales tax measure could provide much-needed funding to avoid cuts to essential city services like police, fire, and public works. However, the proposal faces some community skepticism as residents grapple with rising costs of living.

The details

The survey, conducted in January 2026, included feedback from 423 Santa Rosa registered voters likely to participate in the November general election. About 54% of participants said they would probably or definitely support a one-cent sales tax, while 34% said they wouldn't support it and 10% were undecided. The existing half-cent Measure Q sales tax, approved in 2020, generates around $23 million annually and is set to expire in 2031. A one-cent increase could double that revenue. Meanwhile, a hypothetical update to the city's utility users tax failed to garner enough support to pass at the ballot.

  • The survey was conducted over a week between January 10-18, 2026.
  • The city council is expected to receive an update on the general fund budget on April 21, 2026.
  • Department heads will present their proposed budgets during a two-day study session in early May 2026.

The players

Santa Rosa

The city of Santa Rosa, California, which commissioned the poll and is considering a potential sales tax measure to address its budget deficit.

Lew Edwards Group

The consulting firm hired by the city to conduct polling and community outreach regarding potential revenue measures.

FM3 Research

The research firm that collaborated with Lew Edwards Group on the Santa Rosa poll.

Mark Stapp

The mayor of Santa Rosa, who has expressed skepticism about the community's enthusiasm for a sales tax measure despite recognizing the need for additional revenue.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to pretend that there's enthusiasm, that people are eager to vote for a sales tax initiative. But people understand the need.”

— Mark Stapp, Mayor of Santa Rosa

What’s next

The full Santa Rosa City Council has yet to discuss placing a potential sales tax measure on the November 2026 ballot. Finance officials are expected to provide the council with an update on the general fund budget on April 21, 2026, ahead of department heads presenting their proposed budgets during a two-day study session in early May 2026.

The takeaway

Santa Rosa's budget challenges reflect a broader trend among California cities grappling with rising costs and declining revenues. The potential sales tax measure highlights the difficult choices local leaders must make to maintain essential public services, even as they face community skepticism about new taxes. The outcome of Santa Rosa's deliberations could set an important precedent for other municipalities seeking to shore up their finances.