Press Release - Voters Approve Measure F to Fund Benicia Roads
Voters Approve Measure F to Fund Benicia Roads
Benicia, CA (November 13, 2024)— In the November 5, 2024, election, Benicia voters overwhelmingly approved Measure F, a specific-purpose sales tax to fund critical road infrastructure improvements. With a 61.5% passage rate, Measure F will implement a 0.5% (half a cent) sales tax on retail purchases, earmarked exclusively for repairing Benicia’s streets, potholes and sidewalks. The tax increase is anticipated to go into effect on April 1, 2025.
Measure F, put on the ballot by a citizens’ initiative, reflects the community’s commitment to improving local infrastructure. Currently, Benicia receives approximately $1 million annually to use for road maintenance and repairs. However, the city’s roads are rated “at risk” to “fair” on the Pavement Condition Index, indicating a need for additional investment. Measure F is projected to generate approximately $4 million annually, substantially enhancing the city’s ability to fund long-overdue improvements to local streets and sidewalks.
“Benicia residents have once again chosen to invest in themselves. With Measure F, Benicia chose to invest in the safety and quality of our streets,” said Benicia City Manager Mario Giuliani. “This measure allows us to tackle the longstanding issue of underfunded road infrastructure and make progress in fixing our roads.”
Although Measure F is expected to go into effect in 2025, it will take some time for revenue to be fully collected and available for use. The city will have approximately $5 million annually in funding for roads. With this additional funding, Benicia’s roads are projected to reach “good” condition within the next 20 years.
To learn more about upcoming road project plans and the city’s road conditions, visit BeniciaRoads.org.
Measure F will have oversight from two separate citizen oversight committees; one new city committee called the Local Tax Oversight Board and one independent committee solely run by Benicia residents.
Alongside Measure F, Benicia voters considered two other ballot measures. Measure G, which proposed adopting a city charter to become a charter city, and Measure H, which would have implemented a Real Property Transfer Tax, did not pass.
“The limited charter city and real property tax were designed to support city services and address infrastructure needs,” said Giuliani. “Those challenges still remain. As a city we will continue to look for methods to expand our economy, seek new ways for the community to invest in themselves and, where necessary, reduce services and programs. A central aspect of our resiliency plan is to allow Benicia to choose the community in which they live. All our measures from March through November provided Benicia a voice. Keep believing Benicia, the work continues.”
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About the City of Benicia
The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. A waterfront City of 26,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. To learn more, visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us.