CITY OF SAN PABLO
City Council
1000 Gateway Avenue ● San Pablo, CA 94806
Main: 510-215-3000 ● Fax: 510-215-3011
www.SanPabloCA.gov
August 3, 2026
COURIER DELIVERY AND US REGULAR MAIL
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 762 (Arreguín): Transactions and Use Taxes:
City of San Pablo -Request for Signature
Dear Governor Newsom:
On behalf of the City of San Pablo, we respectfully request your signature on SB 762 (Arreguín), which provides limited statutory flexibility for specified local jurisdictions, including the City of San Pablo, to seek voter approval for a transactions and use tax that exceeds the existing statewide cap established under current law.
Throughout your Administration, you have emphasized the importance of strengthening local communities, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring local governments have the tools necessary to meet California's evolving challenges. SB 762 advances those priorities by providing a measured, locally controlled approach that empowers voters, strengthens fiscal resilience, and helps communities continue delivering the high-quality public services Californians expect.
Importantly, SB 762 does not impose any tax increase. Rather, it simply authorizes specified local jurisdictions to place a locally determined revenue measure before their own voters pursuant to existing constitutional voter approval requirements.
Like many California communities, San Pablo continues to face rising operating costs, increasing pension obligations, inflationary pressures, and growing demands for essential public services. The City has taken responsible steps to maintain fiscal stability while continuing to invest in programs that improve quality of life for residents, but long- term financial challenges remain.
San Pablo is committed to maintaining high-quality public safety services, investing in neighborhood infrastructure, supporting youth and senior programs, improving parks and community facilities, and promoting economic vitality. Meeting these priorities will require sustainable, locally controlled funding that keeps pace with the City's evolving needs and rising costs.
The Honorable Gavin Newsom, Governor
State of California
Re: SB 762 (Arreguin) Transactions and Use Taxes – Request for Signature from City of San Pablo August 3, 2026
SB 762 provides a responsible local solution to these challenges. If signed, the bill will allow San Pablo voters to determine whether additional locally controlled revenue is necessary to preserve essential services, maintain critical infrastructure, and support the City's long-term fiscal sustainability.
If approved by local voters, revenues generated through this authority would support public safety, street and roadway maintenance, parks and community facilities, programs serving youth and seniors, economic development initiatives, and other locally identified priorities that strengthen the community.
Your Administration has consistently recognized that strong local governments are essential partners in advancing California's priorities. By providing communities with greater flexibility to responsibly address local needs through local voter approval, SB 762 supports that partnership while reducing future pressure on the State to address local fiscal challenges.
For these reasons, the City of San Pablo respectfully requests your signature on SB 762.
Thank you for your continued leadership and your commitment to partnering with California's cities to build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado, Mayor
City of San Pablo
cc: State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-14
th)
State Senator Jesse Arreguin (D-7th)
San Pablo City Council
City Manager
City Attorney
The Honorable Gavin Newsom, Governor
State of California
Re: SB 762 (Arreguin) Transactions and Use Taxes – Request for Signature from City of San Pablo August 3, 2026