San Francisco Transportation Authority prepares November ballot for sales tax renewal

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss critical transportation funding initiatives. The primary agenda item was an ordinance aimed at placing a new transportation expenditure plan on the ballot for the upcoming November 2022 election. This plan seeks to renew the existing local transactions and use tax at a rate of 0.5% for an additional 30 years, which has been in effect since 1989 and was last renewed in 2003 with significant voter support.

The proposed measure is expected to generate approximately $100 million annually, serving as a vital source of funding for long-term transportation planning, infrastructure improvements, road repairs, and paratransit services. The ordinance also includes provisions for the transportation authority to issue limited tax bonds secured by the anticipated tax revenues, thereby increasing the authority's appropriations limit for four years following the election.

Chair Mandolin emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it would not raise taxes but rather extend the current rate, contingent upon receiving approval from two-thirds of San Francisco voters. The updated expenditure plan aims to support transit agencies in recovering from the pandemic, enhance street safety, and address climate action goals, particularly as the transportation sector is a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the city.

The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of over two dozen community members who participated in the Expenditure Plan Advisory Committee (EPAC). Their contributions were crucial in balancing the diverse transportation priorities across the city, ensuring that the plan reflects the needs of various stakeholders, including equity advocates and local businesses.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the upcoming ballot measure represents a significant opportunity for San Francisco to secure essential funding for its transportation infrastructure, with the potential to leverage additional federal and state resources in the coming years. The board's discussions underscored the necessity of building broad community support to ensure the measure's success at the polls.