49ers' Property Tax Cuts: A $72 Million Blow to Santa Clara Schools

A recent Santa Clara County court decision has approved a significant property tax reduction of $180 million for the San Francisco 49ers over the remaining 30 years of their Levi’s Stadium lease. The ruling, rejecting a lawsuit by County Assessor Lawrence Stone, upholds a 2019 decision to slash the team's annual property tax bill from $12 million to $6 million. This move impacts various entities, with the Santa Clara Unified School District losing $2.4 million annually and substantial revenue hits for Santa Clara County and the city itself. The judge's ruling emphasized that the assessor's lawsuit failed to establish wrongdoing in the assessment appeals board's 2019 decision. While the assessor expressed disappointment, the 49ers welcomed the court's affirmation of the stadium's assessed value. This ongoing tax dispute underlines the financial dynamics between the 49ers and their host city, sparking criticism and highlighting the ramifications on public institutions, especially the local school budget. The judge's order to seal financial records pertinent to the lawsuit further emphasizes the confidentiality sought by the team.

It's mind-boggling! The 49ers' property tax cuts are causing a massive $72 million loss for Santa Clara Unified Schools. This isn't just a game; it's a hard-hitting blow to our education system. These tax dodges by big-league teams shouldn't come at the expense of our schools. It feels like a complete heist, and frankly, it's unacceptable. Our schools are bearing the brunt of this unfair play, and it's high time this foul play stopped!

Photographer: Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Court approves $180 million property tax cut for 49ers in Levi’s Stadium dispute

Lance Williams & Ron Kroichick, SF Chronicle | Dec 13, 2023