San Diego Neighborhoods
Can’t Afford the Unsustainable
Wage Mandate

STOP the Unsustainable
Wage Mandate

San Diego’s tourism industry is a cornerstone of our local economy — supporting 9,750 local businesses, more than 100,000 jobs, and generating $22 billion in economic activity across the county. For the city of San Diego, that translates to $1 billion in tax revenue that funds vital neighborhood services — from public safety and homelessness programs to parks and infrastructure improvements.

The tax revenue generated from hotel stays is particularly valuable because 100% of it stays within San Diego. Each year, San Diego County collects $418 million in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), with $302 million of that directly benefiting the city, funding local initiatives, and enhancing quality of life for residents.

Now, the San Diego City Council is considering a special interest-backed ordinance to mandate an unsustainable 45% wage increase for just hospitality workers that starts at $25 per hour — threatening our local tourism economy at a time when recession risks are growing.

The FACTS About the Unsustainable Wage Mandate

Forces Cuts to Essential City Services

    • $577 million in lost tax revenue after 10 years, including $187M in local tax losses — harming the city's long-term fiscal health.

    • Total lost tax revenue could result in a 50% cut to the city’s Homeless Shelters and Services Programs — leading to more unhoused individuals living on the streets.

Threatens Small and Family-Owned Businesses

    • The ordinance would result in an annual loss of more than $158 million in visitor spending — impacting businesses of all sizes, including the city’s 3,695 restaurants and 153 craft breweries.

Hurts San Diego’s Economy & Increases Our Cost of Living

    • $333 million in lost business activity every year — driving up costs and making San Diego poorer.

    • 4,398 jobs will be lost — hitting workers, families, and small businesses the hardest.

Join the Coalition

Join San Diego Residents Against Cuts to Essential City Services to Oppose the Proposed Unsustainable Wage Mandate and Protect Our Neighborhoods and Small Businesses!