As community advocates, we believe that effective, balanced policy and legislation can only occur when all key stakeholders are engaged and have a seat at the table, and when this process is not rushed but thoughtfully and collaboratively administered.

Lift Up Richmond and the City Council are proposing an ordinance for a gross receipts tax ballot measure that could dramatically increase tax burdens on small businesses. 

Most businesses are likely unaware that this proposal is on the table as Lift Up Richmond, which spearheaded this effort, and their political consultant admitted that no Richmond businesses were even consulted let alone involved in drafting the ordinance.

This is a dangerously rushed proposal, and the City Council has allowed businesses less than one week to provide input on this critical ordinance before they adopt language to go on the November ballot. This is far from enough time for such a crucial matter.

Furthermore, the City provided conflicting information, and in some cases no guidance at all, thereby making it difficult for some owners to even calculate the economic impact to their business. 

We urge you to support your at-risk local small businesses by asking the City Council to defer this tax structure consideration until small businesses have had adequate time to review it, provide input, and help craft effective legislation, especially at a time when there is far less economic uncertainty.

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