HomeMy WebLinkAboutAB 483 LTR to Achadjian 20130905L/ `t Y o�
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�� OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
/ S O 990 Palm Street ■ San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 ■ 805/781-7119
September 5, 2013
VIA FACSIMILE ONLY 916-319-2135
Katcho Achadj ian
California State Assembly
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: AB 483 (Ting) Tourism Marketing Districts
Dear Assembly Member Achadj ian:
On behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo, I write to urge your support for AB 483 (Ting)
which seeks to protect California's tourism industry by clarifying a few key terms related to the
implementation of Proposition 26 which will be sent to your committee.
Approved by voters in November 2010, Proposition 26 requires that certain state fees be
approved by a two-thirds vote of Legislature and certain local fees be approved by two-thirds of
voters. However, Proposition 26 also introduced some ambiguity in the law as it relates to local
financing mechanisms. AB 483 provides an opportunity to define key terms to avoid confusion
about compliance.
Born out of two state laws — the "Property and Business Improvement Act of 1994" or
the "Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989" — Tourism Marketing Districts
(TMC's), Business Improvement Areas and Lodging Improvement Districts provide stable,
locally controlled funding to market a specific destination area with the goal of increasing
lodging occupancy and tourism activity. TMDs also free local municipalities to focus on critical
budget priorities. This saves local governments millions of dollars while generating millions in
new local taxes through increased tourist spending.
It is for these reasons we respectfully request your support for this very important bill.
Sincerely, y';
'�f� /_
n Marx
Mayor
cc: City Council
Katie Lichtig
Molly Cano
David Mullinax, League of CA Cities