Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burlingame public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Peninsula Tourism Marketing District Expansion
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.
Public records request surge and data mining
Public records requests more than quadrupled this fall, mostly from commercial data-mining companies that then sell the data. It's costing the city over $442,000 a year in staff time it can't recover, and it's crowding out other work in the clerk's office.
Transient Occupancy Tax increase on November ballot
The council put a hotel tax increase on the November 3 ballot — from 12% to 15%. If it passes, the city gets roughly $5.7 million more a year for general services, and a study session in January 2027 would decide how to spend it. Hotel managers mostly supported it, asking the city to reinvest in the Bayfront corridor.
FY 2026-27 budget and shrinking reserves
The city is running a $3.1M General Fund deficit next year, dropping unassigned reserves to $293K, with paused pension and capital reserve contributions. Rising fire contract costs and state mandates drive spending growth.
November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
Three council seats — Districts 1, 3, and 5 — are up for full terms this November, and Mayor Brownrigg announced he won't run again. Voters in those districts will choose new representation.
City Pension Liabilities and Section 115 Trust
Burlingame owes about $93 million in unfunded CalPERS pension debt across its two plans, and the police plan is only 65% funded. The actuary recommended keeping the $26.6 million reserve trust intact rather than using it to lower near-term contributions — a decision that will come back at budget time.
Affordability and high cost of living
Residents and council alike flagged that it's expensive to live and run a business here, and that staffing the city is getting harder. One group's vision statement focused on making the city affordable for working families.