Community Services

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Fund- Released January 2023

Background

At the general municipal election held on November 5, 2002, voters in East Palo Alto modified the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) ordinance to provide a dedicated revenue stream for children, youth and family services, including senior citizens (CYFS). The TOT revenue is collected through a hotel tax which is submitted to the City of East Palo Alto on a monthly basis. Of the total monthly amount collected, 10% is set aside for CYFS. Municipal Code Section 3.68.150 Use of revenues:

*Support of comprehensive, integrated, and community-based systems of services and support systems for children, youth, and their families and senior citizens, so as to promote individual and community health, recreation, and cultural arts

*Exclusively for grants or loans to non-profit service providers headquartered in East Palo Alto OR for which a majority of clients served are East Palo Alto residents

Who Qualifies

TOT funds are designated for community based non-profit - registered with the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) organization- programs designed with an emphasis on youth programming (ages 0-24).

To date, the City Council has awarded almost $2 million to more than 50 projects/programs run by Community Based Organizations (CBO's) and Non Profit Organizations (NPO's) with TOT funds to promote a healthier and safer community free of violence and crime.