Los Angeles is witnessing a contentious debate over property taxes imposed on some of its most exclusive private golf clubs, as a proposed ballot measure aims to close a longstanding tax loophole that critics say has allowed these clubs to pay significantly less than their fair share.

The focus is on six prominent country clubs—Bel-Air, Brentwood, Hillcrest, Lakeside, Los Angeles Country Club (LACC), and Wilshire—that collectively occupy nearly 1,000 acres of land estimated to be worth over $15 billion. Currently, these clubs pay approximately $811,000 annually in property taxes, a figure that Councilman Adrin Nazarian contends is disproportionately low due to agreements dating back to the 1970s.

Nazarian, who represents parts of the San Fernando Valley, proposed a parcel tax of $4 per square foot that, if approved by voters in November, could raise the clubs’ tax liabilities by as much as 160 times their present payments, potentially exceeding $140 million annually. The councilman’s proposal was inspired by insights from a Malcolm Gladwell podcast, which highlighted the disparity between the clubs’ tax contributions and the assessed value of their property.

Most of the clubs are negotiating with city officials to find a compromise and avoid the ballot measure, a move reflecting a politically challenging environment for affluent institutions. However, the Bel-Air Country Club has refused to join the negotiation group. In a memo distributed to members, club president Brett Wyard stated that Bel-Air did not sign the agreement, choosing instead to independently contest the measure. Wyard argued that the club fully complies with California’s property tax laws and recently underwent a reassessment that now results in the highest tax bill among the regional clubs. He also emphasized the club’s philanthropic contributions and community engagement as factors in the broader discussion about fairness.

The fracturing within the coalition is notable, as insiders suggest the divide partly reflects differences in club culture. A source familiar with LACC described Bel-Air as home to a younger, more defiant membership that is prepared to challenge the political effort more aggressively.

The legislation’s roots trace back to Proposition 13, a statewide measure passed in 1978 that capped property taxes and has contributed to enduring tax arrangements for these private clubs. Under current provisions, these clubs have reportedly limited their tax increases to about 2% annually since the mid-1970s.

Supporters of Nazarian’s proposal argue that the clubs exploit their nonprofit classification to circumvent tax obligations that other property owners cannot avoid, shifting the tax burden unfairly onto the broader Los Angeles population. By contrast, the clubs maintain that they operate within legal frameworks and contribute significantly to the city beyond tax payments, including hosting major tournaments such as LACC’s 2023 U.S. Open.

As the November election approaches, the dispute highlights broader tensions over wealth, public resources, and urban equity in Los Angeles, with potential financial and operational consequences for some of the city’s most prestigious private recreational institutions.