About the Measure
What will the measure do?
If approved by the voters, the measure will authorize a 14-year special parcel tax for the purpose of funding repairs and improvements to streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths. The tax will be 17 cents per square foot for residential properties, and 25 cents per square foot for non-residential properties.
The measure will also require the City to maintain its current repaving budget commitment. This will bring total street and sidewalk funding up to an estimated $480 million, broken down as follows:
$350M for street repaving (including an anticipated $245M in City funding)
$70M for safety improvements
$35M for sidewalk and pedestrian path repairs
$20M for environmental enhancements to streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths
The parcel tax will sunset in 14 years.
If it passes, what changes will I see in Berkeley?
Smoother streets across the city
Safe routes to schools so children and caregivers can walk and bike to school safely
Traffic calming and traffic safety features like bulbouts, traffic circles, raised crosswalks, medians, and traffic signals and beacons
Safer sidewalks and pedestrian paths, without tripping hazards
More green infrastructure that reduces stormwater runoff and increases native plants and street trees
Improved emergency vehicle response times with better traffic controls and access for first responders
What type of accountability will there be?
The measure:
Narrowly defines how the funds can be spent
Requires regular public outreach meetings to seek input for funded projects
Requires a Citizens Oversight Committee to review expenditures and progress updates
Requires the City Manager to publish an annual progress report, making it accessible through a public, online dashboard
Requires the City Auditor to conduct regular performance audits