At its study session on Oct. 6, the Calabasas City Council reached a clear consensus: pursuing a local sales tax measure offers the strongest and most responsible path to secure the City’s long-term financial sustainability. This marked the Council’s second review of policy options to ensure Calabasas remains fiscally strong and able to continue delivering the high-quality services residents expect.
“Keeping funds local to Calabasas is critical to ensure we prioritize services that directly benefit our residents,” said Mayor Peter Kraut. “If we want to continue investing in public safety, roads, wildfire prevention and community services, we need a reliable revenue source we can count on. A local sales tax is the most effective way to make that happen. We want to move proactively to make sure our community has the resources it needs — both now and into the future.”
As a first step, the Council authorized City staff to partner with a professional survey research firm to gather feedback from residents on their priorities, concerns and perspectives regarding a potential measure.
Community input will be central in shaping how any measure moves forward. Feedback will help clarify local priorities, ensure the Council hears from a broad set of voices and identify key community concerns that may be addressed by the City policy or programs.
The Council also directed staff to initiate an extensive outreach effort to ensure residents have access to clear, factual information about the City’s fiscal situation, financial forecasts and available options.
“Calabasas has benefitted from years of strong fiscal discipline and thoughtful investment in community assets. Sustaining that excellence requires consistent reinvestment, and external factors are making that harder to sustain,” said Mayor Pro Tem James Bozajian. “Financial sustainability means giving residents the opportunity to consider how we can best support the City’s long-term stability and continued success.”
Next steps will include further research and analysis by the City Manager’s office, with results presented to the Council in the months ahead to guide decision-making.
The Oct. 6 study session followed an earlier study session held on Sept. 10. Financial projections covered during the Sept. 10 study session show Calabasas must generate approximately $2 million annually in new revenue to maintain ongoing costs and an additional $3-4 million annually to restore healthy reserves and address deferred maintenance.
Rising expenses — including sheriff contract increases, insurance premiums and attorney fees — have placed additional pressure on the City’s general fund. See the Oct. 6 study session staff report here.
The Council’s consensus to pursue a potential local sales tax measure reflects its commitment to responsible money management and safeguarding community priorities. By advancing a local sales tax measure for further exploration, the Council affirms its belief that this is the most effective tool to maintain essential services and build a sustainable future for Calabasas.
“The foundation of addressing our structural deficit starts with listening to residents,” said City Manager Kindon Meik. “Residents will help define priorities and expectations, and their input will guide how the City frames this as an investment in our future. The stronger the engagement, the better aligned the outcome will be with the community’s vision.”
For more information, including City news updates and details on upcoming meetings, residents are encouraged to visit cityofcalabasas.com.
About the City of Calabasas
The City of Calabasas is a thriving community in the suburbs of Los Angeles with more than 23,000 residents. Its proximity to the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains and to Los Angeles offers tranquil living, just minutes from the city. Calabasas’ excellent schools, recreational opportunities and access to the greater Los Angeles area make it an ideal place for both families and businesses to thrive.