What happened to Measure H — and what comes next
Why the measure was withdrawn, what it would have done, and where the effort goes from here.
Is Measure H still on the November ballot?
No. On August 5, 2026, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) voted unanimously to remove Measure H from the November 2026 ballot, acting on a recommendation from our campaign leadership committee. Immediately afterward, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting and unanimously approved the removal, completing the actions required to withdraw the measure. You can read our full announcement here.
Why did the committee recommend withdrawing it?
Because we concluded there was no realistic path to the two-thirds voter approval the measure required this November.
Several weeks of analysis, and consultation with experienced transportation campaign professionals from across California, pointed the same direction. Inflationary pressures, affordability concerns, and broad economic uncertainty have made this an unusually difficult moment to ask voters to approve new revenue. California's June election results confirmed it: here in SLO County, the only local tax measure on the ballot earned 54% support and passed only because it was a citizens' initiative needing a simple majority. Every local tax measure in neighboring Monterey County failed, as did the lone measure in Santa Barbara County.
Our responsibility was never simply to place a measure on the ballot. It was to pass one.
Does this mean the transportation problem went away?
No. Nothing about the underlying need has changed. Roads and bridges are still aging, state and federal funding is still unreliable, gas tax revenue is still declining, and construction costs are still rising. San Luis Obispo County remains one of the few California counties without a local transportation funding measure — nearly 89% of Californians already live in "self-help" counties that receive priority access to state and federal grants.
Withdrawing the measure was a judgment about timing and strategy, not about need.
What happens now?
The coalition is immediately beginning work toward a 2028 transportation funding campaign. That means refining the measure, broadening the coalition further, and building the depth of public support required to clear a two-thirds threshold.
Withdrawing the ordinance also avoids significant election administration costs, and preserves the coalition and resources built over the past year for an effort with a stronger chance of succeeding.
What would Measure H have done?
Measure H was a local ½-cent (0.5%) transportation sales tax, projected to generate roughly $35 million a year for 30 years, with 100% of the funds staying in San Luis Obispo County. Revenue would have been 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 went to actual transportation work.
It also included an independent citizens' oversight committee, annual independent audits, public reporting, and maintenance-of-effort rules. These are the foundations we expect to build on for 2028.
I signed a petition or contributed. Was that wasted?
No. More than 12,000 residents signed petitions and hundreds of community leaders stepped forward, and that coalition is the single most valuable thing this effort produced. It is exactly what a successful 2028 campaign will be built on. Today's decision was made specifically to protect it, rather than spend it on a campaign that could not win.
How can I help now?
The most useful thing right now is to stay connected. Add your name and we'll keep you posted as the 2028 effort takes shape. If you'd like to support the work directly, you can contribute here.
Who can I contact with questions?
Our contact page lists dedicated addresses for general, press, treasurer, and other inquiries. Media questions are best directed to press@betterroadsforslocounty.org.