E. Palo Alto’s Measure L would boost taxes on rental properties to fund affordable housing

East Palo Alto voters will consider a ballot measure this November that would place a 2.5 percent tax on rental residential properties in an effort to fund affordable housing development and, if necessary, provide rental assistance to help residents avoid homelessness.

The Measure L tax increase would apply to residential property owners and could not legally be passed on to tenants via increased rent or a surcharge, according to city officials.