Supporting Legislation

Proposition 15

Status: Failed at Ballot Box

Proposition 15 (2020), or the Schools and Communities First Act, would have closed a corporate tax loophole that allows large corporations to avoid paying property taxes at current rates on properties they own. This measure would have reclaimed $11 billion every year to fund schools and strengthen local economies.

The ballot measure exempted all residential property and small businesses from reassessment, protecting homeowners and renters while leveling the playing field for small businesses.

The new revenues would have been distributed consistent with current property tax allocations, with 40% supporting K-12 schools and community colleges, and the balance allocated to cities, counties and special districts for local services. The measure would have maintained Prop 13’s current protections for homeowners, renters and agricultural areas, and included tax relief for small businesses, as well as provisions for oversight and accountability.

Read our press release here.

Update

Proposition 15 narrowly failed at the November 2020 election by a vote of 48% Yes, 52% No.

Press Coverage

How Prop. 15’s defeat impacts California schools – SF Gate

Prop. 15: Everything you need to know about California business tax overhaul – LA Times

Yes on Prop. 15 – The Santa Barbara Independent

Ignore the ghost of Howard Jarvis. Prop. 15 brings fair treatment to property taxes – SF Chronicle

Prop. 15: Ballot measure will stabilize California’s economy – Cal Matters

Supporters

  • California YIMBY
  • California Calls
  • League of Women Voters of California
  • California Alliance for Retired Americans
  • Tech Equity Collaborative
  • Housing California
  • Alliance San Diego
  • Evolve California
  • Common Sense Kids Action
  • Policy Link,
  • California Federation of Teachers
  • Advancement Project California
  • ACLU of Southern California
  • Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of California
  • Community Economics
  • Working Partnerships, USA
  • Oakland Rising
  • Bend the Arc for Justice
  • Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative
  • PICO California
  • ACCE
  • Asian Pacific Islanders for Civic Empowerment
  • California Association of Nonprofits
  • Courage Campaign
  • California Partnership
  • the Parent Teacher Association
  • San Francisco Foundation
  • APEN Action
  • Power California