Measure H heads to November ballot in SLO County
Half-cent sales tax measure would fund road repairs and transportation projects
– Measure H, the Local Roads First transportation funding measure, will appear on the November ballot following approval by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Board on June 3 and final action by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors on June 16.
The measure will ask voters whether to approve a half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation improvements throughout San Luis Obispo County.
If approved, Measure H would generate an estimated $35 million annually for road repairs, safety improvements, congestion relief, and Safe Routes to School programs. The measure also would expand mobility programs for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
According to the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, San Luis Obispo County would join 25 California counties with voter-approved transportation sales taxes if Measure H passes. The agency also says voter approval would make the county more competitive for state and federal grants that require local matching funds.
Measure H reached the ballot after receiving approval from six of the county’s seven city councils, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Board.
The Transportation Expenditure Plan accompanying Measure H was developed with input from city governments, the Board of Supervisors, community organizations, and county residents. The plan serves as the legally binding framework for how revenue generated by the measure would be spent throughout the county.
The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments describes a self-help county as one in which voters approve a dedicated, locally controlled revenue source for transportation investments. The agency says the designation can help accelerate transportation improvements and increase competitiveness for outside funding opportunities.
More information about Measure H and the Transportation Expenditure Plan is available at www.localroadsfirst.com.
Related links
- Local Roads First
- Approved Transportation Expenditure Plan
- Self-Help Counties
- San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG)
