The Parlier City Council held a regular meeting on December 5, 2024, where key discussions centered around the renewal of Measure C, a significant transportation funding initiative in Fresno County. Robert Phipps, Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments, and Terry Ogle, Executive Director of the Fresno County Transportation Authority, presented an overview of Measure C's history and its impact on local transportation infrastructure.

Phipps began by outlining the origins of Measure C, first adopted in 1986, which established a half-cent retail sales tax aimed at improving the county's transportation network. He emphasized the measure's evolution over the years, noting its initial focus on highway and freeway maintenance, which has since expanded to include public transit and alternative transportation projects. Approximately 35% of Measure C revenues are allocated back to local jurisdictions for road maintenance and repairs.

The presenters highlighted the importance of Measure C in leveraging additional state and federal funds, allowing Fresno County to undertake significant capital improvement projects. They pointed out that while other counties in the region have adopted similar measures, Fresno's early adoption has positioned it ahead in terms of transportation development.

Ogle provided statistics underscoring the critical need for well-maintained roads, citing that 43% of public roadways in the U.S. are in poor or mediocre condition. He stressed that Measure C has been instrumental in closing funding gaps for transportation projects in Fresno County, including several initiatives directly benefiting the city of Parlier.

Looking ahead, the council was informed that Measure C is set to expire in 2027, and efforts are underway to place a renewal measure on the ballot for November 2026. The potential renewal could raise between $2.8 billion to $5 billion, depending on its duration and escalation. Ogle noted that the renewal process will involve public input to ensure it meets community needs.

The meeting concluded with a warning about the implications of Measure C's expiration, which could jeopardize funding for transit services and diminish the region's competitiveness for federal and state project funding. The council members expressed their appreciation for the presentation and acknowledged the importance of Measure C for the future of transportation in Parlier and the surrounding areas.