Burlingame voters decide on Measure D on Tuesday, Nov. 3. It would raise the city's hotel tax, officially the transient occupancy tax, from 12% to 15%, raising an estimated $5.7 million a year, according to the ballot question.

Why it matters: Residents would not pay it directly. The tax is charged only to hotel, motel and short-term rental guests, and Burlingame has about 3,500 hotel rooms near SFO.

What a yes vote does

  • Raises the hotel tax to 15% until voters end it.
  • Money goes to general city services; the city lists streets, sidewalks and potholes, parks and street trees, and emergency response, preparedness and wildfire prevention.
  • Includes independent citizen oversight and annual audits, the city says.
  • Needs a simple majority to pass.

A no vote keeps the rate at 12%.

The background

The city says its rate is among the lowest in San Mateo County and has not risen since 2009. Belmont, Millbrae and San Carlos charge 14%; Half Moon Bay and Pacifica 15%; Menlo Park 15.5%.

The hotel tax brought in $22.8 million in fiscal 2025-26, below the $29.4 million of 2018-19, the San Mateo Daily Journal reported. The city projects general fund deficits in future years.

Official arguments for and against are posted on the city's ballot info page.

See every local measure on our Bay Area Election 2026 hub, including Burlingame's Measure R school bond and Mountain View's Measure F hotel tax.