MEASURE D (2016)

2016 MEASURE D SALES TAX

Measure D logo

Measure D Overview

In November 2016, over 2/3 of Santa Cruz County voters approved Measure D – a comprehensive and inclusive package of transportation improvements. The ½-cent, 30-year sales tax provides a steady, direct source of local funding for:

  • Providing safer routes to schools for local students
  • Maintaining mobility and independence for seniors and those with disabilities
  • Investing in bicycle and pedestrian pathways and bridges
  • Repaving roadways, repair potholes, and improve safety on local streets
  • Improving traffic flow on highways and major roadways
  • Investing in projects that reduce the pollution that causes global warming

As outlined in the approved by voters and shown in the Expenditure Plan, Measure D revenues are distributed to 5 categories of projects, with nearly half the funds allocated directly to Cities and the County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz METRO, and Community Bridges Lift Line.

Recent Activities

5-Year Plans

What are the 5-Year Plans? Based on the Measure D Expenditure Plan, which identifies general categories of projects to receive certain percentages of tax revenues over a 30-year time frame, all agencies designated to receive Measure D funds (including the Regional Transportation Commission) annually develop, update and adopt five-year project-delivery plan for investing these new transportation revenues.

Measure D 5-Year Plans for Regional Projects
The RTC Measure D 5-year plans show how the RTC anticipates distributing voter-approved Measure D revenues over the next 5 years for Regional Projects.

Direct Recipient Projects (overseen by the cities, county, Metropolitan Transit District and Community Bridges – Lift Line) – Visit the Direct Recipient page or each agency’s website to view approved 5-year plans.

Other Highlights

Revenue Collection: The state began collecting the new ½-cent sales tax for local transportation improvements in April 2017 and the first disbursements to local agencies started in summer 2017. Funds are distributed monthly to recipient agencies. Updates on revenues are included no less than quarterly in the RTC board agenda packet (tyically on consent agenda). In April 2023, the RTC approved updated Measure D revenue projections.

Measure D Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP):  The SIP serves as the guiding policy and programming document for the implementation of Regional Measure D projects. The SIP is expected to be updated at least every 4-5 years.

  • The RTC adopted the 2023 SIP at its November 2, 2023 meeting.

Amended Measure D Expenditure Plan: At its February 6, 2020 meeting, the RTC amended the voter-approved Expenditure Plan, listing Auxiliary Lanes on Hwy 1 from Freedom Blvd-Rio Del Mar-State Park Drive as part of the Highway Corridors investment category. This amendment became effective on March 22, 2020, 45-days after the RTC board approval. Notice was given to the Board of Supervisors and City Councils in Santa Cruz County, per Utility Code Section 180207 and the Ordinance.

RTC Contact

Guy Preston
Executive Director
info@sccrtc.org
(831) 460-3200