Which ballot propositions is WeHo pushing for?

West Hollywood’s City Council is preparing to take official stances on several propositions the state and county are putting on the ballot this November. The city has already voiced support for two propositions that will come before voters — the Justice for Renters Act, which will give cities more power to regulate rents, and the repeal of Proposition 8, which will enshrine marriage equality. Here are the issues Council will deliberate on at their meeting Monday:  

Proposition 2: School Facilities Bond Act

What it will do: Authorizes $10 billion in bonds for public schools and community colleges.
How much it will cost: $500 million annually for 35 years.
Who supports it: LAUSD, labor organizations, and business groups
Why they’re supporting it: Supporters of Proposition 2 say it’s essential to keep schools safe, modern, and ready for growing student populations. They argue that many school buildings are outdated and need repairs or upgrades to support today’s technology and education needs. By approving this bond, the state can fund critical renovations and build new schools where they’re needed. 
Who opposes it: a few school districts and civic groups.
Why they’re opposing it: Opponents of Proposition 2 say it adds more debt to the state, costing taxpayers $500 million a year for 35 years. They worry that past bonds haven’t always been spent well, leading to waste and little real improvement in schools. Critics argue that districts should manage their current budgets better instead of taking on new debt. Smaller school districts also fear that big cities like LA might get most of the money, leaving them with less.
City Hall’s recommendation: Support — aligns with West Hollywood’s commitment to education and modern infrastructure.

Proposition 4: Safe Drinking Water & Climate Resilience Bond Act

What it will do: Authorizes $10 billion for water projects, wildfire prevention, and climate initiatives.
How much it will cost: $400 million annually for 40 years.
Who supports it: environmental groups and labor unions
Why they’re supporting it: Supporters of Proposition 4 say it’s needed to help California deal with problems like wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather caused by climate change. The $10 billion would fund projects to secure water supplies, protect forests, and prepare communities for these challenges. They argue it’s cheaper to invest now than pay for bigger disasters later. Environmental groups, labor unions, and local governments back the measure because it protects people’s health and safety while supporting the state’s climate goals.
Who opposes it Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Why they’re opposing it: Opponents of Proposition 4 argue that taking on $10 billion in new debt is too costly for taxpayers and will lead to long-term payments that could strain the state budget. They also question whether the money will be spent effectively, worrying that funds could be wasted on projects that don’t deliver real benefits. Some critics believe that local governments should focus on better managing existing resources rather than relying on new bonds. Additionally, they argue that adding more debt isn’t the best solution and could result in higher taxes down the line.
Recommendation: Support — consistent with city climate goals and priorities.

Proposition 5: Lower Supermajority for Local Bonds for Housing & Infrastructure

What it will do: Lowers the vote threshold for local bonds to 55%, enabling easier funding for housing and infrastructure.
How much it will cost:Allows local governments to increase borrowing for community needs.
Who supports it: cities, labor groups, and pro-housing organizations
Why they’re supporting it: Supporters of Proposition 5 say it will make it easier for cities and counties to fund affordable housing and public infrastructure projects by lowering the vote requirement from two-thirds to 55%. They argue that many important projects fail to get approved because the current threshold is too high, even when most voters support them. By making it easier to pass these measures, communities can address housing shortages, improve public safety, and upgrade infrastructure. Supporters also point out that this change will help local governments better meet residents’ needs without having to constantly rely on state funding.
Who opposes it taxpayer associations and real estate groups.
Why they’re opposing it: Supporters of Proposition 5 say it will make it easier for cities and counties to fund affordable housing and public infrastructure projects by lowering the vote requirement from two-thirds to 55%. They argue that many important projects fail to get approved because the current threshold is too high, even when most voters support them. By making it easier to pass these measures, communities can address housing shortages, improve public safety, and upgrade infrastructure. Supporters also point out that this change will help local governments better meet residents’ needs without having to constantly rely on state funding.
Recommendation: Support — aligns with West Hollywood’s stance on affordable housing and infrastructure funding.

Proposition 6: Remove Involuntary Servitude as Crime Punishment

What it will do:Eliminates involuntary servitude as punishment in California’s constitution.
How much it will cost:Uncertain impact on state and local criminal justice costs.
Who supports it: Backed by criminal justice and civil rights groups
Why they’re supporting it: Supporters of Proposition 6 say it’s time to fully end any form of slavery in California, including forced labor for prisoners. They argue that making people work against their will is wrong and that the focus should be on rehabilitation, not punishment. Supporters believe this change would treat incarcerated people more humanely while still allowing those who want to work in prison to do so voluntarily. They also see it as a step toward justice and aligning the state’s laws with modern values.
Who opposes it no relevant opposition
Recommendation: Support — aligns with the city’s focus on criminal justice reform.

Proposition 32: Raise Statewide Minimum Wage

What it will do: Gradually raises California’s minimum wage to $18 by 2026.
How much it will cost: State and local costs and revenues could fluctuate by hundreds of millions annually.
Who supports it: labor unions and progressive groups
Why they’re supporting it: Proponents of Proposition 32 say raising the minimum wage to $18 is necessary because $16 isn’t enough to live on in California, where costs are high, especially for housing. They argue that workers need fair pay to keep up with rising prices and avoid falling into poverty. Supporters believe this increase will help families make ends meet and reduce the income gap. Labor unions and worker advocates back the measure, saying it’s a step toward economic fairness and will boost the local economy by giving people more spending power.
Who opposes it small business and restaurant associations
Why they’re opposing it: Opponents of Proposition 32 argue that raising the minimum wage to $18 could hurt small businesses by increasing their costs, leading to job cuts, higher prices, or even business closures. They also worry it could make it harder for young or inexperienced workers to find jobs. Critics say that higher wages might lead to inflation, making everything more expensive and reducing the benefit of the wage increase. Business groups and some taxpayer advocates believe it could do more harm than good, especially in smaller communities where businesses are already struggling.
Recommendation: Support — consistent with West Hollywood’s existing higher minimum wage policies.

Proposition 35: Permanent Managed Care Organization Tax

What it will do:Permanently extends a tax on managed care organizations to fund MediCal services.
How much it will cost: Generates $2-5 billion annually for healthcare programs.
Who supports it: political parties, medical associations, and business groups
Why they’re supporting it: Proponents of Proposition 35 say making the tax on managed care organizations (MCOs) permanent is important because it funds healthcare for low-income Californians through Medi-Cal. They argue that this tax helps keep healthcare programs running, especially as more people rely on Medi-Cal. Supporters believe this will ensure consistent funding without having to keep renewing the tax. They also highlight that the money from this tax stays dedicated to healthcare, preventing it from being used for other purposes. Health organizations, labor unions, and political leaders back the measure because it helps provide critical care to those who need it most.
Who opposes it no significant opposition identified.
Recommendation: Support — aligns with the city’s commitment to health services for residents