Measure EE: YES
Measure EE, also known as the Fix the Streets and Sidewalks Initiative, is one of two competing street infrastructure measures on the ballot this election.Measure EE would impose a parcel tax of 13 cents per square foot of improvements to fund critical infrastructure needs such as street and sidewalk repairs, repaving, reconstruction and other various improvements to ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Tax-exempt properties and/or those owned by low-income homeowners do not have to pay the tax.The revenue is estimated to reach an approximate $153 million over the course of its 12-year duration.
Unlike its longer and more expensive counterpart, Measure EE allocates the funds in a more discrete way, including a specific portion for traffic calming measures and construction of bicycle boulevards. This is an important step toward sustainable transportation safety. We believe that rather than a sweeping, more expensive measure, this model is more actionable. Vote “yes” on Measure EE.
Measure FF: NO
Measure FF would impose an annual parcel tax of 17 cents per square foot of improvements for dwelling units and 25 cents per square foot for other properties. The revenue would go toward improving street safety, funding sidewalk and street repairs and constructing environmental infrastructure.
Although hoping to achieve the same goal of better street infrastructure as Measure EE, Measure FF is a far more expensive option: The measure would raise a total of $267 million over its duration of 14 years while Measure EE would raise $153 million over the 12 years it will remain active. So, though Measure FF institutes much-needed safety improvements along with street repairs, its application is too broad.We believe that Measure EE, which is more narrow in its spending, is the better choice between the two measures. Vote “no” on Measure FF.
