The Need For A New Local Funding Source

Palos Verdes Estates Residents for a Safe, Secure Future Is Rallying Around a Potential Local Funding Measure That Would Continue Our High Quality of Life for Years To Come.

The Problem:

The City of Palos Verdes has identified a growing budget shortfall that puts funding for essential services at risk. Rising costs and limited revenue, combined with the scheduled expiration of Measure E in 2027 - create serious challenges to maintaining our police, fire, and emergency response services.


The Solution:

One option being considered by the City would extend the existing parcel tax at a rate of $998 per parcel, plus 68¢ per square foot of building improvements—generating approximately $16.4 million annually to fund public safety and core services.     

PVE citizens have formed this group to collect signatures and educate our neighbors about the need to replace Measure E with an updated tax that covers the city's future needs.

A Renewed Local Funding Measure Would:

  • Protect Local Police and Fire Services Ensure we retain our independent police department and continue to fund fire protection services 

  • Strengthen Wildfire Prevention Support proactive brush and weed management to reduce fire risk and protect our homes and home values

  • Preserve 911 Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness Maintain fast, reliable emergency response when every second counts.

  • Keep Public Spaces Safe and Well-Maintained Continue caring for the parks, paths, and places that make PVE feel like home

Built-In Accountability and Oversight:

Any future measure would include safeguards that keeps the money in PVE:

  • Independent annual audits

  • Detailed public reporting & citizens oversight

  • Local control over every dollar, which can’t be taken by the State or County

The Numbers:

  • Measure E was arguably too small when passed in 2018 and lacked an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

  • High inflation has since eroded the City's budget, causing an FY25 deficit.

  • The $10-12 million deficit projection* for 2028 accounts for:

  • 1) The expiration of Measure E ($5.1M)

    2) The City's current deficit (~$3M+), and

    3) Expected cost inflation to FY28 dollars

    *Using publicly available budget figures;

    Source: www.pvestates.org

            

    The $10-12M budget deficit projection does NOT account for other critical needs, including:

o    Additional fire weed abatement/parkland management.

o    Additional police staffing.

o    Mandated storm water quality projects.

o    Storm drain and sewer system maintenance.

o    Malaga Cove water intrusion remediation.

o    Annual replenishment and inflation tracking to maintain the city's reserve fund/emergency fund.

Who we are

We Are Neighbors Working for PVE’s Future

PVE Residents for a Safe, Secure Future is a grassroots group of community members committed to protecting what makes Palos Verdes Estates special.

We are working to renew and responsibly update Palos Verdes Estates’ parcel tax—Measure E—before it expires in 2027.

Without this funding, we risk cuts to local police protection, fire and emergency response, and wildfire prevention efforts.

Our Mission
We’re a citizen-led campaign working to replace Measure E with a responsible, locally controlled parcel tax.

Our goal is to provide the revenue needed to maintain vital city public safety services, including police, fire, emergency response, and wildfire protection.

Why Now?
Measure E expires in 2027. Inflation has outpaced city revenues, creating an annual budget deficit of over $3 million.

Without action, our city faces deferred maintenance, reduced services, and increased risk to public safety.

Campaign Leaders:

Christian Campisi - Chair