City Council Committee to Consider TOT Hike

San Diego could be one step closer to a new expansion of the downtown convention center. A ballot measure to increase the city’s transient occupancy tax (TOT) will go before the council rules committee Wednesday. Mayor Kevin Faulconer is proposing a hotel room tax hike of 1 cent on the dollar citywide, and up to 3 cents downtown. Supporters say that could generate $15 million in revenue.      Faulconer will use the TOT hike to pay for the convention center expansion as well as road repairs and homelessness programs. Some hoteliers are worried higher taxes might steer prospective guests and conventions to other cities. There are some hoteliers who say they are also interested in discussing the idea.