Pacifica’s Measure M: Would higher hotel tax improve city services or drive away tourism?

One of several tax measures on the ballot for cities in San Mateo County on the November ballot is Pacifica’s Measure M, which would increase the tax for visitors staying at hotels or other short-term lodging in the coastal city.

Measure M, placed on the ballot by the Pacifica City Council, would increase the transient occupancy tax from its current 12% rate to 15%, with the money going to the city’s general fund to use for police and other emergency responses, infrastructure upkeep and repair, and community programs.