Measure H — your questions answered
What Measure H is, what it costs, where the money goes, and how to vote.
What is Measure H?
Measure H is a local ½-cent (0.5%) transportation sales tax for San Luis Obispo County on the November 3, 2026 ballot. It is projected to generate about $35 million a year for 30 years, and 100% of the money stays in SLO County for local transportation — it cannot be taken by the State.
How much would it cost me?
One half-cent on a taxable dollar — about 5 cents on a $10 purchase. And everyday essentials stay protected: because the measure applies California's standard sales-tax exemptions, unprepared groceries and prescription medicine are not taxed, and housing costs like rent and mortgage aren't subject to sales tax. (This is a sales tax, not a gas tax.) Visitors help pay too — roughly 7.5 million tourists a year contribute to the roads they use.
Where does the money go?
Funds are split four ways:
- 55% — Local roads: distributed to every city and the county for street repair, maintenance, and bridge safety.
- 40% — Regional projects: major corridor improvements, congestion relief, and transit.
- 4% — Specialized transit: mobility services for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
- 1% — Administration: a strict cap so the maximum goes to actual transportation work.
How do I know the money won't be wasted or diverted?
Measure H has built-in accountability: an independent citizens' oversight committee, annual independent audits, public reporting, and maintenance-of-effort rules that ensure the new funds supplement — not replace — existing transportation dollars. By law, 100% stays local.
How long does it last?
30 years, after which voters would decide whether to continue it.
Why now? What happens if it doesn't pass?
Since 2016, the county has lost roughly $700 million in transportation investment compared with the 28 California "self-help" counties that have local funding, and local transportation funding has dropped over 50% since 2018. Without local matching dollars, the county struggles to compete for state and federal grants — leaving money on the table while roads keep deteriorating.
Who supports Measure H?
A coalition of local residents, community leaders, businesses, and organizations across the county. See our Endorsements page. Our major funders are listed on our Official Top Funders page, updated monthly.
When and how do I vote?
Election Day is November 3, 2026. Ballots are mailed to every registered voter in early October. To register, check your registration, or learn about voting options, visit the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder elections page.
How can I help?
Volunteer or pledge to vote, host a yard sign, donate, or endorse the campaign. Every bit helps us reach two-thirds.