Atherton City Council discusses SB 63 regional transit tax proposal ahead of C CAG vote

The special meeting of the Atherton City Council convened on July 24, 2025, at the City Council Chambers to discuss the upcoming vote by the City and County Association of Governments (C/CAG) regarding San Mateo County's transit tax proposals. The meeting began with a roll call, noting the absence of Council members Hawkins, Napoleon, and Vice Mayor Holland, who were excused.

Mayor Lewis opened the floor for public comments, but no members of the public were present to speak. The primary agenda item focused on gathering feedback from council members about the C/CAG's impending vote on July 30 concerning a regional transportation measure, SB 63. This measure aims to address the financial challenges faced by Caltrain and BART, exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on ridership and revenue.

City Manager provided a brief overview, indicating that a representative from C/CAG was present to elaborate on the details. Sean, the C/CAG representative, explained that SB 63 proposes a regional sales tax to mitigate service cuts and operating deficits for major rail services. The measure is still in development, with discussions around a potential half-cent or quarter-cent sales tax to fund transit operations in the region.

The council discussed the implications of the proposed tax, emphasizing the need for accountability and governance regarding the allocation of funds. Concerns were raised about the economic climate and the potential burden of increased taxes on residents. The council members expressed a desire for more information before making a decision, highlighting the importance of community input and the complexities surrounding the measure.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions and comments from the council, indicating that the discussions would continue as they prepare for the upcoming vote. The council's next steps will involve reviewing the finalized staff report from C/CAG and considering the feedback gathered during this session.