Some San Diego elected officials are exploring a possible ballot measure that would ask city voters to levy an annual tax of $5,000 per bedroom on many vacation rentals and second homes.

Supporters say the tax would raise many millions in new revenue for the cash-strapped city, while simultaneously encouraging property owners to help ease the local housing crisis by renting out their second homes long-term.

Critics say the tax would hurt tourism and the broader local economy, punish locals who rely on vacation rental income and result in an overall drop in city revenue, rather than the jump supporters promise.

Taxing vacant homes in cities around the world has been a popular move by governments over the last five years, with mixed results . The San Diego ballot measure is still bei

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