Special City Council Meeting
Proposed Business License Reform Measure
On Monday, August 3, the Upland City Council will hold a Special Meeting to consider whether to place the proposed Upland Business License Reform Measure before voters on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot.
It is important to understand the process. City staff have prepared the proposed ordinance, supporting resolutions, fiscal analysis, and staff report for the Council's consideration. The City Council will review that information, hear public comment, ask questions, deliberate, and ultimately decide whether the measure should be placed on the November ballot for voters to decide.
What is Being Proposed?
According to the staff report, Upland's current business license tax structure has not been significantly updated since 1994, more than 31 years ago. Staff state that the existing system no longer reflects today's local economy or the City's current mix of businesses.
If approved by voters, the proposal would:
Increase the amount of gross receipts covered by the minimum business license tax from $20,000 to $100,000.
Reduce business license taxes for many smaller businesses.
Require larger businesses to contribute a greater share based on gross receipts.
Modernize and simplify portions of the Municipal Code by removing outdated classifications.
Phase in the new tax rates over a two-year period.
What Does Staff Estimate?
According to the staff report, the measure is projected to generate approximately $3.3 million annually in business license tax revenue once fully implemented.
Staff also estimate that:
More than 50% of businesses with less than $500,000 in annual gross receipts would see a reduction in their business license taxes.
Nearly 48% of all businesses are projected to pay less than they do under the current system.
Businesses with more than $3 million in annual gross receipts would contribute a substantially larger share of total business license tax revenue.
Why Is Staff Recommending the Measure?
The staff report states that the additional locally controlled revenue could help address important community needs, including:
Street and sidewalk repairs
Aging infrastructure and storm drains
Public safety services
Maintenance of parks and public facilities
The report notes that Upland currently has an estimated $241 million in unfunded street maintenance and sidewalk repair needs.
Participate in the Process
Whether you support the proposal, oppose it, or are still gathering information, this meeting is an opportunity to hear the presentation, review the proposal, and provide public comment before the City Council makes its decision on whether to place the measure before Upland voters.
Special City Council Meeting
Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
Location: Upland City Hall – Council Chambers
Purpose: Consider staff's recommendation to place the proposed Business License Reform Measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
CLICK IMAGE FOR AGENDA
Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.
James Breitling
(909) 342-2523
info@theuplandupdate.com
© 2025. All rights reserved.
