Measure U

City of Berkeley Bond Measure

Measure U would authorize the issuance of $300,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund acquisition and improvement of fire stations, emergency response facilities, parks and recreation facilities, and other public infrastructure and facilities, and increase climate resiliency, subject to independent oversight and audits. This would levy a property tax of approximately $22.14 per $100,000 of assessed property value annually.

This measure requires approval by two-thirds of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure U would cost taxpayers approximately $22.14 per $100,000 assessed property value; generating approximately $15,200,000/year.

Next Alameda County Measure: Measure V

See Endorsements for Measure U

Pro:

Supporters say the impacts of climate change, including intense wildfires, puts lives and infrastructure at risk. Yes on U upgrades critical infrastructure to reduce pollution flowing to the Bay and addresses the dangers of flood and wildfire risk by renovating our 911 dispatch center, replacing unsafe fire stations, installing green infrastructure, and constructing seawalls to prepare for sea-level rise. They say Measure U is accountable to YOU, the Berkeley Taxpayer. A robust, public project list, City Auditor and citizen oversight, regular public audits, and public disclosure of funds will ensure funds are spent as promised.

A YES vote on this measure means: you support the authorization of $300,000,000 in bonds to fund infrastructure and facility improvements.

Con:

Opponents say Measure U borrows $300 million with no comprehensive capital plan, no binding commitment to specific projects, and no budget for maintaining new facilities. Higher interest rates make the total costs $550-600 million. High inflation and competing spending priorities, with no blueprint for success, risks taking on enormous debt without addressing Berkeley's most pressing infrastructure needs. They say borrowing makes sense when it finances high-priority capital projects that serve residents for decades and the Council identified 35 potential projects to fund with bond revenues, but did not prioritize or legally commit to any of them.

A NO vote on this measure means: you are against the authorization of $300,000,000 in bonds to fund infrastructure and facility improvements.

Background

The City’s Vision 2050 Framework is a comprehensive plan to build, upgrade, and repair Berkeley’s infrastructure and facilities to be more sustainable, safe, and resilient and to meet the needs of future generations, including addressing climate and environmental challenges. However, existing funds and funding sources are inadequate for these infrastructure and facilities needs. The City faces a projected $31 million General Fund deficit in the 2027 fiscal year and $29 million deficit in the 2028 fiscal year.

Proposal

If approved, Measure U would authorize the city to issue $300 million of general obligation bonds to finance the acquisition and improvement of real property for public infrastructure and facilities, paid for by a property tax of approximately $22.14 per $100,000 of assessed property value annually.

The bonds would finance the infrastructure and facilities projects documented in the City’s Capital Improvement Programs and the City’s Vision 2050 Framework as part of the City’s comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing the City’s infrastructure and facilities needs. Improvements include but are not limited to emergency response facilities, parks and recreation facilities and infrastructure, accessibility improvements, seismic and climate resiliency upgrades, facility modernization and reliability improvements, and construction or improvement to other City infrastructure, including renovation, replacement, or reconstruction for public benefit.

The Improvements would be required to incorporate all-electric new construction and replacement of existing natural gas infrastructure with electric systems, consistent with the City’s All-Electric Standards for Municipal Projects, except in limited circumstances where the City Council may grant exceptions due to infeasibility.

Source: Measure U Impartial Analysis

Alameda County Election Resources

Pro:

Con:

Background

Proposal

2026 Propositions

2026 Local Ballot Measures

Latest News