A History of Success
Our Record of Results
CST’s influence in Marin has grown through our rigorous analysis, clear commitment to fiscal responsibility and as a respected voice in the community. Through early dialogue, CST increasingly achieves meaningful improvements to local government proposals before they are finalized or presented to voters. When collaborative advocacy fails, we help achieve results at the ballot box.
Pro Fiscal discipline. Pro fairness. Pro Preparation.
We are PRO wildfire preparedness that protects our community. We are PRO-school funding that reaches students and teachers, not administrative overload. We are PRO to transparency, fairness, and local fiscal discipline. This record demonstrates CST advances practical taxpayer advocacy across our communities.
2025
CST led a successful effort extricating Marin K-12 school districts from a scheme to make them guarantee highly risky 40-year workforce housing bonds funding the Oak Hill development. Our hard won victory protects funding for education our students.
Voters rejected Ross Valley School District Measure E after we raised concerns about misleading ballot language, affordability and using a special election to pick the voters. In the past, school taxes that we’ve helped defeat have been followed by the successful passage of a consensus alternative.
2024
A CST-led Independent Campaign Committee successfully defeated a 1 billion Tamalpais Union High School District tax that was oversized and poorly prioritized. That effort strengthened CST’s long-term policy influence.
CST endorsed the Sausalito Marin City per-square-foot parcel tax measure because it was necessary, fair, and affordable. When proposals meet our Sensible Tax Criteria, we support them.
We helped defeat extreme rent control measures that threatened housing supply.
CST helped block a $53 billion regional housing bond from reaching the ballot, preventing decades of unaccountable taxpayer debt.
Proposition 5, which would have lowered voter approval thresholds for new taxes statewide, was defeated with CST’s support. This preserved longstanding taxpayer protections.
CST endorsed Brian Colbert for Ross Valley Supervisor. He was elected.
2023
Recruited, developed, and supported candidates who unseated entrenched Water Board Directors in a landslide.
CST reached a negotiated settlement with the Marin Municipal Water District that achieved fairer water rates and the recovery of our legal costs.
2021-2022
CST helped defeat a Belvedere property transfer tax measure punished sellers, unfairly taxing them to fund future benefits they would not receive.
Three change candidates recruited and supported by CST won decisive victories for the Water Board.
2020
CST was instrumental in shaping and passing Marin’s revolutionary Wildfire Prevention Tax. After negotiating meaningful taxpayer protections, including a firm nine-year limit instead of a permanent tax, we endorsed the measure because the final proposal was necessary, fair, and accountable.
With CST’s help in Marin, a 30-year SMART sales tax renewal was defeated by a wide margin, prompting much-needed changes.
For the Measure A Marin County Open Space renewal, CST negotiated guarantees that additional funding would be allocated to vegetation reduction to reduce wildfire risk.
A proposed 50% parcel tax increase by the Tamalpais Union High School District was rejected by voters after CST raised concerns about the need for so much money when enrollment was steadily falling. Subsequently, voters approved a straight renewal instead.
2017-2019
The CST Foundation filed suit against Marin Municipal Water District over unfair rate structures based on meter size rather than actual water usage. This suit ultimately resulted in fairer water bills.
CST endorsed Measure J for the Tamalpais Union High School District to prevent teacher layoffs and financial instability. Supporting this measure demonstrated our commitment to supporting necessary taxes and ensuring school districts’ long-term stability. CST stands out from other taxpayer organizations by supporting taxes that are necessary and fair.
CST was named Taxpayer Organization of the Year by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
We established our Sensible Tax Criteria, which continue to guide our evaluation of revenue proposals and public spending. The Sensible Tax Criteria are a foundational document that provides discipline and credibility to our advocacy on behalf our Marin taxpayers.
Advancing Responsible Public Policy
CST’s history shows a consistent pattern. When a proposal is fair, necessary, transparent, and accountable, we support it. When it is not, we work hard for a better alternative. Contact Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers to learn more about how we advance responsible public policy and government accountability.
Dedicated to Marin and Responsible Tax Policy
If you would like to review or discuss an upcoming public tax measure, Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers welcomes the opportunity. We remain dedicated to sensible solutions that work for our community.
Get in touch with us today. We’ll make a difference together.