San Rafael voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to raise the one-time tax charged when property changes hands from 0.2% of the price to 1%. The city calls Measure W the San Rafael Essential Services Protection Measure and estimates it would bring in about $6 million a year in new money for fire, paramedics, streets and homelessness response. It needs a simple majority. For every other November contest, see our Nov. 3, 2026 Bay Area election guide.

What changes for buyers and sellers

A real property transfer tax is paid once, at the time of a sale or other transfer, and is separate from the annual property tax bill. According to the city attorney's impartial analysis, the current rate of $2 per $1,000 of value would rise to $10 per $1,000. On a $1 million sale, the city's tax would go from $2,000 to $10,000. Whether the buyer or seller pays it depends on their agreement.

The tax raises about $1.5 million a year now, the city says. Measure W would add roughly $6 million, bringing the total to about $7.5 million a year, the figure that appears in the ballot question. The North Bay Tribune reported that the city's staff report calls the current 0.2% rate one of the lowest in the region and says 1% would put San Rafael in the middle, below charter cities that charge 1.5% to 3% or more.

Where the money would go

The money would go into the general fund, so the council could spend it on any city service. The ballot question lists fire protection, paramedics, rapid 911 response, street repair, and the effects of homelessness, litter and illegal dumping. San Rafael's Voter-Approved Tax Oversight Committee would review how the revenue is collected and spent. If approved, the tax takes effect 10 days after the council certifies the Nov. 3 results and lasts until voters end it, the impartial analysis says.

The City Council placed the measure on the ballot on July 20. It is one of 20 local measures on Marin County ballots this fall, the Marin Independent Journal reported.

The case for

The official argument in favor is signed by Mayor Kate Colin and others, including tax oversight committee member Jon Haveman. It says 911 calls are rising, the city's SAFE Team for people in crisis runs on temporary funding, and the city has a $4 million yearly shortfall in street maintenance along with a storm drain system more than 50 years old. Supporters stress that the tax is paid only when property is bought or sold, not every year.

The case against

Marin Realtors, the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers and San Rafael housing provider Michael Mackintosh signed the argument against. They call Measure W a 400% tax increase on people buying or selling homes that would burden first-time buyers and downsizing seniors and could be passed on to renters. They say voters have approved nine new or higher taxes in about 20 years, including a library tax in June, and argue a $6 million tax is too big for what the city has described as a possible $2 million deficit in 2030. They also note there are no spending limits and no end date.

What a yes or no vote means

A yes vote raises the transfer tax to 1% with no expiration. A no vote keeps the current 0.2% rate.