Executive Profile: 5 Questions With David McPherson

David McPherson serves as Revenue & Tax Administrator for the City of Oakland and is  the President of the California Municipal Revenue and Tax Association (CMRTA). He has extensive knowledge and experience in revenue enhancement and is recognized as a leading authority and strategic thinker in the field. The Civic Business Journal interviewed Mr. McPherson about CMRTA, changing technology and the importance of public-private partnerships in California.

1. Tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to work with local government in the area of finance/tax and revenue.

I started my career in local government as a police officer with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and then transferred to the Newport Beach Police Department. After a short stint there I decided to move over to the Newport Beach Finance Department where I was able to utilize my investigative skills as a police officer to investigate businesses and enforce collections and compliance of various tax laws. During my tenure in the Finance Department I develop skills in revenue enhancement strategies as I was reassigned to other revenue audit performing duties. I have worked in local government ever since.

2. What changes have you seen in the areas of local finance and tax and revenue in California since you started your career?

Legislation, mandates and technology have greatly impacted the field. The passage of Proposition 13 and Proposition 26 has changed the way California government works on a number of levels. Additionally, technology has really changed the whole model of what we do in a variety of ways. It is now possible to do business in California without physically being in the state- in some cases businesses no longer need to have a fixed location at all. A good example of this was Amazon and how the evolution of technology has revolutionized revenue enhancement strategies in the areas of the sales and use tax. Technology will continue to change and our approach needs to change with it.

3. What are some ways CMRTA supports its members?

A lot of what CMRTA does has to do with providing education, networking and training. Another thing CMRTA has done over the years is to broaden our vision to better serve our members. We used to be the California Municipal Business Tax Association, but we expanded our focus to cover the gamut of tax related issues and not just the business tax.

4. How does CMRTA help provide solutions for local governments in California?

Aside from the training we provide our members updated legislative changes involving tax and revenue, CMRTA actively partners and engages with Associate Members and other organizations who are involved with cities. The key to our success in the past and in the future is public-private partnerships. It will continue to be the primary driving force as there continues to be tightening and restrictions on the budgets and the resources cities have at their disposal.

5. Tell us about a hobby you have or activity you enjoy doing outside of work.

In addition to my work at CMRTA, I am President of Silicon Valley Baseball Association, a nonprofit competitive baseball and softball organization that provides opportunities for underprivileged kids to travel to play baseball all over the country. Also, I am an avid Disney fan and a member of Disneyland’s Club 33.