Update: For a more complete and sustainable solution for Berkeley’s streets, Greenbelt Alliance celebrates that Berkeley voters rejected Measure EE over Measure FF this election cycle. Measure FF is currently passing with 60.10% of voters saying YES. It needs a simple majority to pass and needs to get more votes than Measure EE, which currently has 55.93% in the NO category.
Both measures proposed a new parcel tax to raise funds for street pavement improvements.
We appreciate that both measures set out to address the urgent issue of street and sidewalk repair in Berkeley but we believe that Measure EE didn’t adequately address Berkeley’s pressing need for sustainable infrastructure and safety improvements.
Measure EE’s lower tax rate would not generate the necessary funds to fully fund the street and sidewalk repair needs, leading to the continued deterioration of road quality over the life of the parcel tax.
Why It Matters
In addition to the reduced amount of funding, Measure EE limits the ability to invest in bike and transit infrastructure beyond basic pavement improvements. Safe, multi-modal transportation is crucial for reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and supporting the long-term health of our communities and dedicated bike lanes and bus lanes are critical to increasing the mode-share for these alternative transportation options. Measure EE’s limitations on new infrastructure, including cycle tracks and bulb-outs, fail to prioritize these forward-thinking investments.
Addressing the climate crisis is going to mean a significant shift away from cars and compact cities with homes, jobs and services like Berkeley are a great place for encouraging alternative transportation methods. Innovations like electric bicycles mean that biking is a great transportation option for even more residents, but they need to feel safe on the roads to create a regular routine. Measure EE would have provided basic funding for repairs but missed a huge opportunity to invest in a climate smart future for the City of Berkeley. For those reasons, we celebrate that voters passed Measure FF instead.
Originally published on October 1, 2024.
