Peninsula Tourism Marketing District Expansion
Summary
Burlingame's hotel tax has sat at 12% since 2009 while most neighboring cities charge 14-15%. Raising it could add up to $6.6 million a year to help close projected budget deficits and fund big projects — but hoteliers worry it could cost the city airline crew business. A measure could go to voters in November 2026; miss that window and the next chance is 2028.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
A rate increase to 14-15.5% would add roughly $3.8-$6.6 million a year to city coffers; polling and outreach would cost under $150,000.
Residents and city services gain new revenue without it coming directly from local taxpayers — the tax is paid by hotel visitors.
Hotel operators fear higher rates could put them at a competitive disadvantage for airline crew contracts and against San Francisco hotels.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council — November 2, 2026
The city, as fiscal agent, is adding Daly City to the hotel-funded San Francisco Peninsula Tourism Marketing District. Second reading comes later; written protests could still block it.
City Council — January 20, 2026
Burlingame's hotel tax has sat at 12% since 2009 while most neighboring cities charge 14-15%. Raising it could add up to $6.6 million a year to help close projected budget deficits and fund big projects — but hoteliers worry it could cost the city airline crew business. A measure could go to voters in November 2026; miss that window and the next chance is 2028.
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