Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/hotel-subsidy/)
At a city council meeting packed with union leaders and Disneyland Resort employees, Anaheim leaders discussed a recent survey that found many of the resort’s workers struggle to buy food, pay rent and afford other basic necessities. Critics say the union-funded report was commissioned to bolster an upcoming ballot initiative.
At their first official meeting, Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and his new city council majority worked through a laundry list of actions aimed at reversing major policies and actions taken by the previous majority.
After years as the Anaheim City Council’s underdog, Mayor Tom Tait is now leading a four-member majority that promises to focus more on community services and less on subsidies for the city’s tourism industry.
Proponents of Anaheim’s $550-million subsidy program for luxury hotels say it is a win-win-win for businesses, labor and city residents. But some industry experts question whether this rosy picture will pan out.
The mega resort is asking for a subsidy worth well over $200 million from the city to build a new luxury hotel. Anaheim’s mayor called the request “insane.”
A year after police led to a riot outside Anaheim City Hall, there has been little progress toward addressing problems that were exposed.
The 3-2 vote for a tax subsidy worth up to $44 million to the developer of a four-star hotel in the city’s resort district mirrors an earlier vote on a controversial hotelier subsidy granted earlier in the year.
Tonight’s City Council agenda includes a subsidy extension for the developer of a four-star hotel in the city’s resort district.
Voice of OC Community Editorial Board members Jose Moreno and Eric Altman explain why they’re challenging a $158-million subsidy.
What was supposed to be a special session of the Anaheim City
Council to reconsider a $158-million tax break instead became an
impromptu, angry town hall meeting.
