L.A. Voters Reject Measure to Increase Hotel Bed Tax Before 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles voters are leaning towards rejecting Measure TT, a proposal to increase the city's hotel bed tax from 14% to 16% until the end of 2028, with a subsequent rate of 15%. This measure, aimed at generating additional revenue ahead of the 2028 Olympics, also sought to extend the tax to short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Expedia. Preliminary results from Tuesday's primary indicate that the measure is falling short of the required majority for passage. City officials had projected that the measure could generate $44 million annually through 2028 and $22 million annually thereafter. However, business groups have expressed concerns that the tax increase could negatively impact the hotel industry, which is already facing challenges such as declining demand and potential wage increases. 
