Costa Mesa, California Development News

Costa Mesa Council Approves Business License Reform Measure for 2026 Ballot

The City Council of Costa Mesa considered placing a business license reform measure on the November 3rd, 2026, general election ballot. After reviewing community feedback, financial outlooks, and infrastructure needs, the council voted to approve the measure. The reform aims to modernize a 41-year-old business license rate structure, generating an estimated $5.6 million annually, an increase of $4.6 million over the current structure. This measure is intended to address the city's long-term revenue needs and funding shortfalls while protecting small businesses. A prior consideration of a transient occupancy tax (TOT) increase was not recommended by staff due to concerns about hotel competitiveness and potential loss of bookings to neighboring cities.