Our measure (Fix the Streets & Sidewalks) may be one of two measures on the city of Berkeley November ballot. If so, whichever ballot measure gets more votes, and over 50% of the total, will prevail. Here’s how they compare.
A comparison of the two measures
| Topic | FIX THE STREETS & SIDEWALKS | S.A.F.E. S.T.R.E.E.T.S. |
| Tax Rate | $0.13/sf (residential and non-res) | Split roll: $0.17/sf (res) / $0.25/sf (non-res) |
| Duration | 12 years | 14 years |
| Total revenue | $153 million | $267 million(>50% higher cost for a typical homeowner) |
| Specifics | All funds specifically allocated | >$100 million for loosely defined purposes that could include cycle tracks, Telegraph Ave. plaza, reducing University Ave. from 4 to 2 lanes |
| Goal | Bring every street to at least “good” condition | Bring streets to good on average – allows some streets to be left in poor or failed condition |
| Sidewalks and pathways | Fully funded | Not fully funded (smooth sidewalks dependent on homeowner funding and city enforcement) |
| Bicycle priorities | Bicycle boulevard improvements | New infrastructure on major streets |
| Project evaluation and performance metrics | Required for recent and new street infrastructure. (Is what we’ve already done working?) | Not addressed |
| City match funding required | Yes – City’s General Fund must match every year to continue to collect tax | No – tax suspended for only two years if not matched by City’s General Fund |
| Oversight | Fully independent | Status quo (Council-appointed) |