By March 5th, Vote Yes on LCF
Measure LCF – Keep Our Funding Local
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Measure LCF?
Voting YES on LCF provides locally controlled funding to ensure fast 9-1-1 emergency response times, increase neighborhood patrols, reduce wildfire risk, and prepare for natural disasters. Millions of our local tax dollars are diverted to Sacramento and Los Angeles County each year. Of every dollar we pay in sales tax, only 15¢ stays here in La Cañada Flintridge. Measure LCF simply brings La Cañada Flintridge’s sales tax rate in line with neighboring communities to provide locally controlled funds that cannot be taken away.
What challenges does the City of La Cañada Flintridge face?
La Cañada Flintridge is a great place to live, raise a family and retire. However, thefts, residential burglaries and other serious crimes are on the rise. Last year, our city experienced a 5-year high in these crimes with more than a crime per day. Living in the foothills near Angeles National Forest means a constant threat of wildfire and mudflows. Additional locally controlled funding is needed to proactively address these threats.
What would Measure LCF fund?
Measure LCF provides locally controlled funding that can be used to:
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Prepare for and respond to wildfires and other natural disasters
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Ensure fast 9-1-1 response to crimes, fires, accidents and medical emergencies
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Prevent crimes, thefts and burglaries by increasing neighborhood patrols
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Keep parks, facilities and public areas safe and up-to-date, ensuing safe places for children to play
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Repair potholes and maintain local streets
Would Measure LCF raised La Cañada Flintridge’s sales tax rate above neighboring cities?
The sales tax rate in other cities in the area like Glendale, Pasadena and Arcadia is 10.25%. Measure LCF brings La Cañada Flintridge’s sales tax rate to this same level to generate locally controlled funding without putting local businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
Has the City of La Cañada Flintridge previously raised the sales tax?
No. Since the City was formed nearly 50 years ago, the City has never previously sought or imposed any increase in sales taxes (or any other City-controlled tax).
Could the State and County cut or take away funding from Measure LCF?
No. By law, revenue from Measure LCF could not be taken by the State or Los Angeles County. All funding generated by the measure must stay here in La Cañada Flintridge to fund local services.
Would Measure LCF affect essential purchases like groceries and prescription medicine?
No. By law essential purchases like groceries and prescription medicine are exempt from sales tax, which helps ensure the cost of Measure LCF is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes.
Who would pay for Measure LCF?
Measure LCF will be paid for by both residents and visitors who work or shop in La Cañada Flintridge. Approximately 30% of the cost will be paid by nonresidents who shop here.
Would Measure LCF limit LA County from taking more sales tax funding from La Cañada Flintridge?
Yes, passage of Measure LCF would protect 0.75% of the local sales tax rate for use in La Cañada Flintridge and prevent LA County or other regional agencies from taking this portion of our local sales tax away from our community for uses in other places.
How long will Measure LCF last?
Measure LCF continues until ended by voters to provide a stable source of locally controlled revenue that cannot be taken away by the State or the County.
How can we be sure funds will be spent properly?
Measure LCF requires fiscal accountability protections, including mandatory public disclosure of all spending and independent financial audits. By law, all funds must stay local for services in La Cañada Flintridge only.
How much would Measure LCF cost?
Measure LCF would add 0.75% to taxable purchases. This would add 7.5¢ to a $10 purchase or 75¢ to a $100 purchase.
Who supports Measure LCF?
Measure LCF is supported by a coalition of local residents who want to see La Cañada Flintridge thrive and improve its services – especially for things like public safety, emergency preparedness, parks and trails, roads and other things that are beyond the current budget. This includes former mayors and councilmembers, the unanimous current City Council, first responders, small business owners, and many other residents.
What does the business community think of Measure LCF?
The primary representative for businesses is the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and Community Association. The LCF Chamber’s Board has endorsed Measure LCF and recommends a “Yes” vote. Our local business community concluded that the value of first-rate public services in LCF which can be improved and maintained in part by Measure LCF outweighs any negative impact of matching neighboring sales tax rates.
How many votes are needed for Measure LCF to pass?
Measure LCF requires support from at least 50%+1 of the votes cast on the measure for approval.
When will Measure LCF be on the ballot?
Measure LCF will be on the March 5th, 2024 ballot. Ballots will be mailed to voters the first week in February.
How can I learn more about voting?
For more information about voting, contact the La Cañada City Clerk’s office at (818) 790-8880.