"How much new revenue will Measure T bring to Richmond each year?"
According to the City Attorney's independent analysis, Measure T will generate about $26,462,500 in new revenue each year beginning in 2009. This estimate is based entirely on revenue from Chevron, by far Richmond's largest manufacturer that processes the highest value of raw materials. No other manufacturers were included in this estimate. (Estimate based on 91.25 million barrels/year at $116/barrel multiplied by 0.25%.)
Chevron's corporate profits have been steadily rising, from $17 billion in 2006 to $18.7 billion in 2007 to an estimated $22 billion in 2008. It takes the Chevron Corporation less than half an hour to make one million dollars in profit, so we are confident they can afford this increase in their business license fee in Richmond.
"Why does Richmond need Measure T money?"
During our petition drive and subsequent campaign for Measure T, we spoke with thousands of Richmond residents who shared many common concerns about the City's unmet funding needs, including good jobs for youth and the unemployed.
"How will individual Richmond residents be affected by Measure T?"
Measure T will not cost individual Richmond residents a penny. It will not affect property tax.
Measure T, A Fair Share for Richmond, will bring hundreds of new jobs to Richmond. Richmond can become a safer city with a new and sustainable economy that employs residents in city services, solar installation, and violence prevention services.
Increasing local employment using Measure T revenue will keep money in the community through partnerships with local businesses. The City will have more money to spend.
Residents want expanded violence prevention outreach, abundant free and low-cost recreational programs, comprehensive street and sidewalk repair, and infrastructure improvements to create beautiful common spaces in every neighborhood.
Measure T can make these dreams a reality, starting in 2009.
"How will businesses in Richmond be affected by Measure T?"
For example scenarios of how Measure T will affect businesses in Richmond, click here.
Measure T will have a positive effect on local Richmond businesses by creating new jobs and boosting the local economy.
Of the 7,000 businesses licensed to operate in Richmond, 99% are not manufacturers and will have no increase whatsoever in their business license fee. Landlords, retailers, restaurants, service providers, contractors, or any other non-manufacturing business will not be affected.
The revenue from Measure T will come almost entirely from Chevron, which is the largest manufacturer in Richmond with over 1,000 employees.
Most "green" businesses in Richmond are non-manufacturing. Rebate programs could be enacted by the City Council to offset any adverse consequences to manufacturers in the solar and alternative energy industry, and those using recycled raw materials.
Under Measure T, all new businesses to Richmond will receive a business license fee waiver of up to 18 months.
"Will Measure T affect restaurants and flower shops?"
The ordinance proposed by Measure T defines manufacturing as "changing the form of an existing material by procedures commonly regarded by the average person as manufacturing," and it further specifies that manufacturing includes oil refining.
Preparing meals in restaurants and creating bouquets in flower shops are not commonly regarded by the average person as manufacturing. Such businesses will have no business license fee increase under Measure T.
"What if Chevron passes the cost on to consumers by raising gas prices?"
Changes in gas prices are determined at the national and international level. One ordinance in one city will not affect gas prices.
"Didn't Chevron just agree to give a lot of money to Richmond as part of the refinery expansion project?"
The community benefits agreement (CBA) is deeply flawed on several counts:
"Doesn't Chevron already pay more than anyone else in property taxes to Richmond?"
The value of the Chevron refinery is about 33% of the overall real estate value in Richmond, yet Chevron paid about 20% of the City's total property tax revenue (according to Richmond's 2006-07 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report).
A year ago, Chevron challenged its assessed value with the County in an effort to reduce its property tax obligation by about $60 million. Contra Costa County has thus far successfully rejected Chevron's attempt to reduce its property tax.
"Won't Measure T drive Chevron out of Richmond?"
The Chevron refinery was built in its current, highly strategic location on the Richmond shoreline over 100 years ago. Oil tankers passing through the Golden Gate pull right up to the Richmond Long Wharf for easy access.
Strict federal regulations on building new refineries were passed in the 1970s. No new refineries have been built in the U.S. in the past 30 years. Chevron is not going anywhere.
Trusting Chevron to do the right thing has repeatedly let the community down. It is up to the voters and their elected representatives on the City Council to place appropriate terms and conditions on any business allowed to operate in the city.
Measure T is one way for voters to assert their democratic rights and ensure a fair share for Richmond.
"How will the City of Richmond decide how to spend revenue generated by Measure T?"
Measure T revenue will go into the City of Richmond's general fund. The Richmond City Council will decide how to use these funds generated by Measure T.
Many residents have expressed how important it will be to have a City Council that is responsive to the community, acts with integrity and can be held accountable. The City Council is reducing from nine to seven members in January 2009. Three of seven seats on the city council will be filled at the November 2008 election. The candidates who have endorsed Measure T so far are:
Please visit their websites to read about their vision for making Measure T truly a win for our community.