January 23, 2026

The Chamber has long advocated for the timely implementation of Measure C, a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase designed to fund the modernization and expansion of the San Diego Convention Center, while also dedicating resources to homelessness services and street repair. Initially voted on in 2020, the measure was supported by the Chamber and its members as a critical tool to expand the Convention Center and address the ongoing homelessness crisis facing our city and region. 

At the time, the ballot measure did not meet the two-thirds voter approval threshold required for non-citizen-initiated ballot measures. Despite receiving over 65% of the vote, the measure could not move forward. However, state law changes and subsequent rulings declared that the measure actually did pass. This subjected the City to a long litigation process over this voter approval threshold, and a final court decision in the City’s favor was not issued until 2025.  

After the favorable resolution of this litigation, the City Council passed a Clarifying Ordinance for Measure C on January 13. The Ordinance updated outdated funding timelines and established the revenue oversight committees outlined in Measure C. Chamber Director of Public Affairs Evan Strawn spoke at City Council in support of the ordinance, which passed 8-0. The implementation of Measure C will deliver meaningful economic benefits for our region, and we are eager to see it move forward.