Concord voters to decide on business license tax measure aimed at creating a fairer system for local businesses

Concord, California – The Concord City Council has unanimously approved placing a local measure on the November ballot, giving residents the opportunity to vote on a proposal that would simplify the city’s business license tax system while providing funding for important local services.

City officials said the proposal is intended to modernize Concord’s business license structure, which has been in place for nearly 40 years. If voters approve the measure, the system would be updated to create a fairer approach for businesses while also generating locally controlled revenue that cannot be taken by the state.

According to the city, the proposal is designed to correct an issue within the current structure that can result in smaller businesses paying a higher tax rate than larger businesses. Officials believe the changes would create a more balanced system for businesses operating throughout Concord.

Funding would support community priorities

City leaders said the measure would not increase taxes on homeowners or residents who do not own businesses. Instead, the funding generated through the updated business license structure would remain under local control and be used to support services that community members have identified as priorities.

Those priorities include road maintenance, repairing potholes, emergency response services, keeping playgrounds safe and clean for children, and addressing traffic congestion along major roadways.

Assistant City Manager Justin Ezell said the proposal reflects feedback gathered from both business owners and residents during the city’s outreach efforts.

“We really appreciate the feedback from Concord’s business community and from the hundreds of community and business members the City has engaged,” Ezell said. “Concord provides vital services for thousands of residents every day. Simplifying the business license tax structure helps ensure community priorities are addressed while also ensuring an equitable structure for local businesses,” continued Ezell.

The city said the measure also includes several accountability requirements intended to ensure transparency if the proposal is approved by voters.

Officials explained that the measure would require public disclosure of how the revenue is spent, along with financial audits and annual reports to the community. These provisions are intended to ensure that the money remains in Concord and is used only for local priorities identified by residents.

With the City Council’s unanimous vote, the proposal will now appear on the November ballot, allowing Concord voters to decide whether the updated business license tax structure should move forward. If approved, city leaders say the measure would create a simpler and more equitable system for businesses while helping maintain essential public services that benefit the entire community.