Business

Prop. 15 Do-Over? Measure Calling for Commercial Tax Increase May Show Up on 2022 Ballot

A request for a ballot measure called the “Housing Affordability and Tax Cut Act of 2022” has been submitted to the California Attorney General’s office.

Published

5 years ago

October 4, 2021

Christy Price

Ballot box with US state flag on background - California/ iStock

A request for a ballot measure called the “Housing Affordability and Tax Cut Act of 2022” has been submitted to the California Attorney General’s office. If supporters of the constitutional amendment meet all requirements and collect enough signatures to qualify it, the proposition could appear on the November 2022 general election ballot.

The legislation includes a call to increase property taxes on commercial real estate owners in California. Currently, commercial owners in the state pay property taxes based on the value the property when it was purchased — not the market value.

It is a tax code arrangement that some critics say results in the loss of billions of dollars in revenue for the state each year.

The motivation behind the measure, its supporters say, is to create streams of new state revenue that could be used to combat the state’s housing availability and affordability crises. Among other things, the measure calls for an increase of the tax exemption for eligible California homeowners and a tax relief for renters.

Stanley R. Apps, proponent of the measure, says he intends for the proposition to code into law a substantial property tax exemption for homeowners. In the ‘Purpose and Intent’ section of the proposal, it states, “Since 1972, homeowners have only received a $7,000 property tax exemption, even though the median home price has grown from $28,660 to over $700,000. An increase in this exemption is long overdue. This Act will increase the exemption to $200,000.”

The proposed increase would save most homeowners nearly $2,000 in taxes per year, making housing more affordable for middle and working-class families.

Section 5 of the ballot measure’s language specifically proposes that all property in the state, including commercial real estate, be taxed at a rate that is based on “fair market value.” It also calls for an annual surcharge on all property worth $5 million or more.

If this measure sounds familiar, you may be thinking about Proposition 15 which appeared on last November’s ballot. The proposition also calls for a commercial property increase. California voters rejected the measure.

Prop 15 was drafted in response to Proposition 13, which passed in 1978 and set the current precedent for commercial taxing rates in California.

Critics say Prop 13 led to a 60% decrease in property tax revenue collected by local governments the year after the proposition was passed. Prop 15 would have called for owners of commercial property of a combined value of over $3 million to pay property taxes based on the current value while protecting owners of property under $3 million and owners of agricultural and residential property.

Those opposed to Prop 15 argued that most of the proposed tax burden would fall on renters of the property instead of the owners themselves due to clauses in lease agreements.

The new 2022 act has raised the value to $5 million for the adjusted taxes to take affect and also includes clauses that mandate property owners must take responsibility for the new taxes and may not pass the burden down to tenants.

Although, opponents of the Housing Affordability and Tax Cut Act of 2022 make direct comparisons between it and Prop 15, one distinction between the two proposals that stand out is that the new initiative focuses on housing. Taxes raised from Prop 15 would have supported public education.

Institutions that opposed Prop 15 are prepared to mobilize once again to fight against the new measure. In a press release from the California Business Roundtable, President Rob Lapsey issued this statement in response to the proposal.

“The voters of California already made their position on higher taxes clear last year when they defeated Proposition 15, the largest property tax increase in California history. Today, all Californians continue to pay the highest cost of living while businesses are struggling with a sluggish recovery, a crippling labor shortage and a new tax increase to pay off the massive state-created debt in the Unemployment Insurance Fund. While California needs housing reforms to increase supply and improve affordability, a huge tax increase on homeowners, small business owners and renters is not a solution. We are ready to mobilize our broad coalition to once again defeat this measure in 2022.”

Read the Housing Affordability and Tax Cut Act of 2022 in its entirety.

Christy Price

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Mayor Barbara Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Acclaimed Actor with Key to the City

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and declared “Delroy Lindo Day” to celebrate his contributions to film, television, and theater.

Published

20 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the cCity Council chambers of Oakland City Hall in downtown Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.”

The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.

Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.

His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X”, “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and ”Da 5 Bloods,” among others.

“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.

The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between MLee and Lindo.

“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”

At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later on Easter of 1973 in New York the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger” left a great impact on him.

“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.

Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.

Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.

The evening also featured a cinematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.

The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.

The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.

Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son.

When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”

Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”

advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.

“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”

“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”

Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes, was also in attendance.

Oakland Post

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Activism

‘Hire Oakland’ Job Fair Draws 2,000, Connecting Residents to Immediate Job Opportunities

Oakland’s Hire Oakland job fair, hosted by Mayor Barbara Lee’s office, connected over 2,000 job seekers with employers, highlighting a strong demand for quality jobs and career pathways in the city.

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Left to right: Yawo Tekpa, OPIC Manager, One Stop Operator; Sofia Navarro, Deputy City Administrator; and Ray Lankford, CEO of the Oakland Private Industry Council. Photo by Jonathan Fitness Jones.

By Post Staff

The Office of Mayor Barbara Lee, in partnership with the City of Oakland and regional employers, hosted a successful Hire Oakland job fair this week at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, bringing together job seekers and employers for a day focused on opportunity, connection, and economic mobility.

With more than 2,000 RSVPs, the event on Wednesday reflected strong demand across Oakland for access to quality jobs and career pathways. Attendees participated in on-site recruitment, application support, and hands-on workshops designed to help job seekers navigate hiring processes and prepare for interviews.

Over the course of the day, employers and community partners engaged directly with residents in a welcoming, high-energy environment centered on opportunity and hope. Participating employers included EBMUD, Samuel Merritt University, the City of Oakland, BART, PG&E, AC Transit, East Bay Regional Parks District, Southwest Airlines, FedEx, and many others offering immediate openings and career pathways across sectors.

Workforce development partners Oakland Private Industry Council (OPIC) and Lao Family Community Development provided connections to résumé support, interview coaching, and individualized job search assistance throughout the event.

The strong turnout underscores a clear reality: Oakland residents are eager for pathways into meaningful work, and sustained investment in youth and workforce programs is essential.

That is why Mayor Lee has prioritized relaunching the Oakland Police Cadet Program and the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP)—ensuring young people have early access to paid work experience, mentorship, and long-term career pathways, according to a City press statement.

“The turnout shows what we already know—Oaklanders are ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to build their futures here at home,” said Lee. “When we connect people directly to employers and invest in young people early, we are not just filling jobs—we are changing lives and strengthening our city’s future.”

The Hire Oakland job fair is part of the City’s broader effort to strengthen workforce pipelines, expand access to good-paying jobs, and ensure Oakland residents are first in line for local opportunity.

About Hire OaklandHire Oakland is a citywide workforce initiative led by the Office of Mayor Barbara Lee in partnership with City departments, workforce development organizations, and regional employers. The program connects Oakland job seekers to real-time hiring opportunities, training resources, and career pathways.