Measure D
Measure D is a comprehensive and inclusive package of transportation improvements passed in November 2016 by over 2/3 of Santa Cruz County voters (83,816). This ½-cent sales tax guarantees every city and the county a steady, direct source of local funding for local streets and road maintenance, bicycle and pedestrian projects (especially near schools), safety projects, and transit and paratransit service, as well as numerous essential transportation projects and programs throughout the county as outlined in the Expenditure Plan for Measure D.
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) has completed Measure D pre-implementation tasks including administration, fiscal, oversight and engagement activities. In addition, the RTC has worked with Measure D recipient agencies to develop five-year programs of projects, annual report requirements and other required agreements.
The ½-cent, 30-year sales tax measure includes transportation projects that support:
- Providing safer routes to schools for local students
- Maintaining mobility and independence for seniors and those with disabilities
- Investing in bicycle and pedestrian pathways and bridges
- Repaving roadways, repair potholes, and improve safety on local streets
- Improving traffic flow on major roadways
- Investing in projects that reduce the pollution that causes global warming
Recent Activities
- Check out the Measure D FY19/20 Annual Report. The annual report highlights findings from the audits and expenditure reports.
- The Measure D Taxpayer Oversight Committee reviewed the Fiscal Year 2019/20 audits and expenditure reports from Measure D recipients at its March 2021 meetings.
- The RTC will consider a staff recommendation at the RTC’s June 3, 2021 meeting (Agenda Item #31) to analyze the potential interim use by bicyclists and pedestrians of the Capitola Trestle bridge through Capitola Village, using $50,000 in Measure D-Active Transportation funds.
- Following a Public Hearing on May 6, 2021, the RTC board approved the 5-year Program of Projects for Community Bridges/Lift Line (4% of Measure D revenues)
- Minor updates to the 5-Year Plans for Active Transportation and Rail were approved with the budget at the RTC’s May 6, 2021 meeting
5-Year Plans
What are the 5-Year Plans? Based on the Measure D Expenditure Plan, which identifies general categories of projects to receive certain percentages of funds over a 30-year time frame, all agencies designated to receive Measure D funds (including the Regional Transportation Commission) annually develop, update and adopt five-year project-delivery plan for investing these new transportation revenues.
Measure D 5-Year Plans for Regional Projects –
The RTC updates Measure D 5-year plans showing how the RTC anticipates distributing voter-approved Measure D revenues over the next 5 years for Regional Projects.
Direct Recipient Projects (overseen by the cities, county, Metropolitan Transit District and Community Bridges – Lift Line) – Visit the Direct Recipient page or each agency’s website to view updated 5-year plans.
Other Highlights
Revenue Collection: The state began collecting the new ½-cent sales tax for local transportation improvements in April 2017 and the first disbursements to local agencies started in summer 2017. Funds are distributed monthly to recipient agencies. Updates on revenues are included no less than quarterly in the RTC board agenda packet.
Measure D Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP): The RTC adopted the long-term SIP at its February 6, 2020 meeting. The SIP serves as the guiding policy and programming document for the implementation of Regional Measure D projects.
First Amendment to the Measure D Expenditure Plan: At its February 6, 2020 meeting, the RTC amended the voter-approved Expenditure Plan, listing Auxiliary Lanes on Hwy 1 from Freedom Blvd-Rio Del Mar-State Park Drive as part of the Highway Corridors investment cateogy. This amendment became effective on March 22, 2020, 45-days after the RTC board approval. Notice was given to the Board of Supervisors and City Councils in Santa Cruz County, per Utility Code Section 180207 and the Ordinance.
MEASURE D FAQ
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