Exploring Tax Policy and Local Government Efficiency in the East Bay

Host Jared Asch interviews Mark Joffe, president of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (Coco Tax), about taxes and government efficiency in the East Bay. Joffe describes Coco Tax’s 1937 origins and mission to advocate for “good government at an affordable cost,” noting the group is nonpartisan and focuses on effectiveness rather than government size. He explains their key work is analyzing ballot tax and bond measures, often providing the underfunded opposition view. He cites opposing a 2025 Acalanes Union High School District parcel tax due to the high cost of a special election and discusses upcoming 2026 parcel tax positions, including concerns about inflation escalators. Joffe highlights large state/local revenues, post-COVID budget pressures, pension costs, overtime, liability lawsuits, and the need for innovation in technology and procurement. He critiques Measure B’s justification, noting an error in claimed federal cutback impacts, and urges public involvement via cocotax.org and monthly meetings.