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Board places half-cent local transportation tax on November ballot despite mixed polling
Summary
San Luis Obispo County will put a proposed half-cent transportation sales tax measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot after the Board approved consolidating the measure per SLOCOG's request; supervisors debated polling, costs, and whether to delay, but a majority voted to proceed.
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted June 16 to place a proposed half-cent county self-help local transportation investment measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot and to consolidate it with the statewide general election. The measure, advanced by SLOCOG and the 'Local Roads 1st' coalition, is estimated to raise approximately $35 million per year for local road maintenance and projects if approved by voters.
Speakers representing the petition drives and local business and labor groups reported more than 12,000 signatures and urged the board to allow voters to decide. Supporters said the county has missed state and federal matching funds because it is not a self-help county and that roads and bridges are deteriorating. Opponents and one supervisor cited SLOCOG polling showing weak support and questioned spending roughly $588,000 on ballot costs if the measure does not pass; county counsel and staff clarified that statute requires the county to place the measure on the ballot if requested by SLOCOG and that costs would be borne by the measure if it passes.
Supervisor Ortiz Legg and others argued the ballot process itself will increase public awareness and build support. The motion to place the measure on the ballot passed in a roll-call vote.
The vote means the measure will appear on the November ballot for voters to approve or reject; if passed, proceeds would be used on local roads and to help secure additional state and federal matching funds.
