Measure H — the facts
A locally controlled, ½-cent transportation sales tax projected to generate $35 million annually for local repairs, safety, and emergency access.
SLO County is being left behind.
Lost Funding
Since 2016, the county has forfeited approximately $700 million in investment by remaining one of the few California counties without a self-help transportation measure — nearly 89% of Californians already live in self-help counties.
Budget Cuts
Local transportation funding has dropped over 50% since 2018.
Lost Grants
Without matching local dollars, the county cannot compete effectively for state and federal grants — leaving billions of dollars on the table.
A half-cent special retail tax — locally controlled.
Funds are dedicated to four critical areas:
Roads
Pothole repair, street maintenance, and bridge safety across every city and unincorporated area.
Safety
Intersection upgrades and improved 911/emergency access for faster response times.
Mobility
Congestion relief, transit improvements, and Safe Routes to School projects.
Special Needs
Dedicated funding for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Funding Distribution
55% — Local Roads
Distributed to every city and the county for street repair and maintenance.
40% — Regional Projects
Major corridor improvements, congestion relief, and transit infrastructure.
4% — Specialized Transit
Mobility services for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
1% — Administration
Strict cap to ensure the maximum amount goes to actual transportation work.
Spending is governed by the voter-approved Transportation Expenditure Plan.
Built to be fair, transparent, and protected.
- Visitor support: 7.5 million annual tourists help pay for the roads they use.
- Exemptions: This is a sales tax, not a gas tax. It applies California's standard sales-tax exemptions — unprepared groceries and prescription medicine aren't taxed, and housing (rent or mortgage) isn't subject to sales tax.
- Local control: 100% of funds stay in SLO County. Sacramento cannot touch this money.
- Independent audits conducted annually.
- Citizens' Oversight Committee reviews every dollar spent.
- Maintenance-of-effort requirements ensure new funds supplement — not replace — existing transportation dollars.
Bottom line: 100% of funds stay in SLO County, with annual independent audits and a citizens' oversight committee guarding every dollar.