Monterey County Approves Tax Hike for Transient Lodging
What happened
The board of supervisors for Monterey County approved Measure E, a tax measure that will be put to a ballot in November. The measure would increase the transient occupancy tax rate in unincorporated parts of Monterey County by two percentage points, from 10.5 percent to 12.5 percent. The tax would apply to short-term lodging for people staying under 30 days and would not have an end date.
Why it matters
The tax is projected to bring $7.6 million yearly to Monterey County, which is seeking additional funds to offset the cost of tourism on county infrastructure. This measure is intended to help address a $40.6 million shortfall in budget projections for the fiscal years 2026-27.
Monterey County's governing body oversaw tax policy decisions on June 19, 2026.
Who's involved
- Monterey CountyThe county where the tax measure will be implemented.
- board of supervisorsThe governing body that unanimously approved the tax measure for the ballot.
- CarmelA municipality within Monterey County that already maintains its own transient occupancy tax.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
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The entities involved
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Monterey County
county in California, United States
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board of supervisors
body which oversees the operation of county governments in certain U.S. states
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Carmel
town in Maine, United States
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