PLEASANTON, Alameda County — October 23, 2026. Pleasanton voters will decide Measure HH on November 3, a city proposal to raise the Transient Occupancy Tax (hotel tax) paid on qualifying short-term lodging. The official ballot measure page says the tax would change from its current 8% to 10% on July 1, 2027 and to 12% on July 1, 2028, but only if a majority of voters approves the measure. These increases are a proposal, not already effective law.
How much additional revenue is expected?
According to the city’s Measure HH explainer, the proposal could generate about $1.4 million in its first year and $2.8 million per year once fully phased in, based on projected hotel activity. Those numbers are forecasts, not guaranteed collections. Actual revenue would depend on hotel occupancy, nightly prices and taxable transactions.
What would the city do with the funds?
Measure HH concerns a general tax: its proceeds would go to the city’s General Fund, which can pay for public safety, roads, parks and other lawful general municipal services. The tax would not be legally confined to one named police, fire or road project. Supporters may point to municipal service demands and budget shortfalls, while opponents can question the tax burden on hotel guests, possible effects on visitor competitiveness and whether current city spending should change. Voters should read the official impartial analysis and submitted arguments rather than relying only on campaign material.
Why a hotel tax rather than a property tax?
The city explains that the proposed lodging tax applies to stays of 30 days or less at covered accommodations and is paid by overnight guests rather than imposed as a direct property-tax rate increase. This distinction does not guarantee that local businesses or residents would feel no indirect impacts; the effect on travel costs and demand depends on many factors. The city’s website says its 8% rate has remained unchanged since 1983.
Which local offices are on the ballot?
Pleasanton’s Election and Measures page says voters will also choose a mayor elected at large and City Council representatives for Districts 1 and 3. The city’s district map helps residents determine whether their neighborhood has a council race. For statewide and county contests, voters need to consult their full official sample ballot.
Where and when can people vote?
The official city election page lists an 11-day vote center at Pleasanton Unified School District, 5794 West Las Positas Boulevard, opening October 24 through November 2, plus several four-day centers opening October 31, and Election Day voting November 3, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Confirm the final vote center location and your eligibility through Alameda County’s Registrar of Voters before traveling. The city also lists 24-hour ballot drop boxes.
See Pleasanton News and Livermore News. Send source-backed corrections to the newsroom and support nonpartisan journalism.
Sources: City of Pleasanton Measure HH, 2026 Elections & Measures and Hotel Tax information; Alameda County Registrar of Voters. Nonpartisan article; does not endorse a ballot position.
Help this community newspaper grow
Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.
Donate once by card ↗Support Pleasanton News
Choose how to support Pleasanton News:
Credit / Debit Card via StripeChoose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.
Continue with PayPal Continue with ZelleZelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.
Optional reader support. When possible, add “Pleasanton News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.
COMMUNITY
Comments
Join the California58 conversation. You must be signed in to comment.
Create a free California58 account or sign in with an available social provider.