HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2026-06-09 Public Comment - Item 11cFrom:Peter Williamson
To:City Council; Matt Downing; Jessica Matson; Bill Robeson
Subject:Item 11C Public Comment
Date:Monday, June 8, 2026 9:45:00 PM
Dear Council Members:
As you consider placing a cannabis tax measure on the November 2026 ballot, I want to offer
a land‑use and fiscal perspective that may help shape how Arroyo Grande approaches this
revenue concept.
Cannabis is already legal statewide, and delivery is already occurring in Arroyo Grande. That
means the question before us is not about access, but about what scale and form of cannabis
activity best fits our commercial land and our long‑term financial health.
Because our commercial frontage is scarce, any discretionary use placed there carries a real
opportunity cost. Traditional storefront cannabis retail requires high‑visibility space, dedicated
parking, and significant tenant improvements. These are some of the most valuable square feet
in the city, and once allocated, they are difficult to reassign. Before assuming storefronts are
the default model, it’s worth evaluating whether they are the most efficient way to generate
revenue.
We also don’t yet have long‑term data on how modern cannabis markets perform in cities
similar to ours. Neighboring communities like Grover Beach saw strong early revenue, but
that was tied to early adoption. As more jurisdictions allow retail, revenue per store tends to
decline. Without multi‑decade data, it may be prudent for Arroyo Grande to take a measured
approach rather than making large, irreversible land‑use commitments.
There are lower‑impact alternatives that could still generate taxable activity. For example,
bike‑based delivery or small distribution operations located in light‑industrial areas would
reduce vehicle trips, avoid pressure on commercial frontage, and align with our Healthy
Communities goals. These models allow the City to participate economically while keeping
the footprint small and adaptable as the market evolves.
Arroyo Grande’s long‑term strength is its family‑friendly, traditional character. As you shape
the tax measure and the framework around it, I encourage you to preserve flexibility so the
City can start with small, low‑risk models and scale only if the long‑term benefits become
clear. This approach protects our identity while still addressing the fiscal gap the City is
working to close.
Sincerely,
Peter Williamson Arroyo Grande Resident