The buzz about Berkeley's dueling street improvement ballot measures is in full force, with Election Day coming and mail-in voting underway.

From social media to neighborhood canvassing, proponents of each measure are ramping up efforts to make their case.

If you're confused by the measures, which at first glance may seem similar, you're not alone. It is confusing.

Both measures require the city to continue funding street work at around the same level it does today.

But there are some distinct differences between measures EE (Fix the Streets & Sidewalks) and FF (Safe Streets), mainly in the details of what they will or won't fund, if approved, and by how much.

There are also differences in cost to property owners, and how long the tax would last.

In general, both ballot measures ask voters to approve a new property tax for street and pedestrian improvements, including street paving, sidewalk repair, roadway safety enhancements for bikers and walkers, and "green" technology for filtering storm runoff and cleaning streets. Both require citizen oversight.

Measure FF would cost property owners more than EE and, in doing so, raise more money. The measure also targets a wider range of projects, especially for bicycle safety and infrastructure, following the city's existing transportation plans.

Measure FF would also extend the tax and funding for two more years.

Measure EE more narrowly funds street safety, citing what it calls incomplete project evaluations in the city's transportation plans.

Each measure needs a simple majority of more than 50% to pass.

Residents can vote on both measures. If each one meets the threshold, the one with the most votes wins.

Read the full article and comments at the link:
https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2024/10/21/traffic-safety/berkeley-streets-measure-ee-ff-key-difference/