El Cerrito is at a crossroads. As property taxes, sales tax, and now a proposed $300 parcel tax continue to rise, many homeowners feel squeezed by the financial burden of living here. The question is not just about funding vital services—it’s about ensuring that the people who already call El Cerrito home can afford to stay here. At the same time, we need to ensure that renters can eventually achieve their goal of homeownership if they choose to.
Breaking Down the Costs
El Cerrito homeowners already pay some of the highest taxes in the region. The 10.25% sales tax, combined with significant property tax assessments for schools, public services, and other obligations, creates a heavy financial load. Now, with a proposed $300 parcel tax on the table, it’s time to ask tough questions:
• Are we creating a system where longtime residents are priced out of the community they’ve built?
• Are we ensuring affordability for future homeowners so they, too, can call El Cerrito home?
We all benefit from El Cerrito’s schools, infrastructure, and public services. At the same time, we must ensure that rising taxes don’t make it impossible for families and individuals to stay here or invest in a home in the future.
Prioritizing Affordability and Inclusion
The rising cost of living in El Cerrito doesn’t just impact new homebuyers—it’s making it harder for current residents to stay. To ensure affordability and inclusion, the city should consider:
1. Transparent spending: Provide clear, detailed breakdowns of how tax dollars are spent, so residents can ensure their money is used efficiently and responsibly.
2. Long-term affordability: Balance the need for services with the long-term affordability of living in El Cerrito, ensuring that homeownership remains an achievable goal for renters and new families.
3. Community involvement: Engage residents in discussions about new measures and prioritize solutions that keep El Cerrito affordable for families, seniors, and longtime residents.
Let’s Protect Our Community
We’re not asking to avoid our responsibilities—we’re asking for fairness. Current homeowners shouldn’t be forced to leave El Cerrito because of rising taxes. Renters should have the opportunity to one day invest in their own homes. Let’s find solutions that ensure everyone can thrive, and that the city we love remains a place we can all afford to call home.
Contact the City and Speak Up
If you agree that affordability and fairness need to be priorities, reach out to El Cerrito’s City Clerk and City Council. Your voice matters.
• City Clerk: Holly M. Charléty, MMC
• Email: cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Phone: 510-215-4305
• Mayor Carolyn Wysinger
• Email: cwysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Quinto
• Email: gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman
• Email: rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Councilmember Lisa Motoyama
• Email: lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Councilmember William Ktsanes
• Email: wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Join the Conversation
Use your vote, voice, and platform to make a difference. Together, we can keep El Cerrito a place where everyone can live, thrive, and dream of homeownership.
#ElCerritoCommunity
#AffordableElCerrito
#FairTaxes
#InclusiveElCerrito
#StayInElCerrito
#TransparentSpending
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 
one thing that will always prevent rising property taxes is VOTE AGAINST SUPPLEMENTAL PROPERTY TAXES read and vote no its that simple
On Sun, Jan 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM El Cerrito Committee for Responsib
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