Construction trades and Teamsters back sales-tax ballot placement to fund projects, jobs

Representatives from construction trades and Teamsters spoke in favor of placing the 0.5¢ sales tax on the November ballot, saying past city projects generated local jobs and that continued investment would sustain employment opportunities. Francisco Diaz (Local 783) and Michael Lopez (Local 783) described how city infrastructure projects create apprenticeships and journeyman positions and asked council to let voters decide.

Teamsters business agent Sean Martinez said Measure Q had funded progress and that the proposed increase could help sustain momentum and create good-paying local jobs. Labor speakers framed the measure as an economic-development tool that supports household incomes and reduces commuting burdens.