San Diego County Voters Poised to Deny Transportation Tax Increase

SAN DIEGO—County Measure G—a proposed half-cent sales tax to fund transit projects, road and highway repairs and transportation maintenance—is still narrowly being defeated as votes are being counted. Currently, “no” votes stand at 51.4 percent compared to 48.6 percent in favor.

The County Registrar of Voters reports 595,244 “no” votes and 562,264 “yes” votes in the latest update. The margin has shrunk since election night, and the race remains too close to call, with ballots still to be processed.

Measure G, requiring a simple majority to pass, would allocate sales tax proceeds to various transit-related operations:

• 50% to transit capital projects
• 27% to road and highway traffic flow and commuter safety capital projects
• 12% to transit operations for the Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District
• 7% to streets, road maintenance, and active transportation
• 2% to rail transit-related repairs, rehabilitation, and replacement
• Up to 2% on general administration

The measure also establishes an oversight committee to monitor the proper usage of tax funds.

Supporters claim Measure G will generate $350 million annually to enhance safety through infrastructure repairs and reduce traffic congestion by funding rapid transit projects. They believe this will improve air quality and encourage more people to use public transportation.

Opponents argue that the tax hike will burden residents already struggling with high living costs in San Diego County and that a majority of the funding will go to public transit projects that may not benefit county residents as much as highway-related initiatives.

Concerns are also raised about SANDAG’s track record and failures to deliver on transportation promises in the past. Proponents of Measure G assure that the oversight committee will ensure proper fund allocation and can take legal action against misuse.

Notable figures opposing Measure G include County Supervisor Jim Desmond, 75th Assembly District candidate Carl DeMaio, and Haney Hong, president, and CEO of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

A similar sales tax increase for county transportation failed in 2016, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. Measure G, as a citizens’ initiative, only needs a simple majority for approval.