Recommendations on Ballot Measures & Propositions
Support – our positions support this
Oppose – our policy positions oppose this
Neutral – our positions are split
No position – we have not studied the issue
ALBANY MEASURES
Measure L – Albany Unified School District Modernization and Improvement – Support
Placed on the ballot by Albany Unified School District, this measure needs at least 55% of the votes to pass.
The Albany Unified School District Modernization and Improvement Measure proposes a $63.8 million bond measure to improve and construct safe, modern facilities. Funds would go directly to the district and be locally controlled; that is, not subject to control by the State of California. It includes independent oversight audits.
Funding includes the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities. The improvements include seismic and library technology upgrades. Other issues are replacement or repair of portable classrooms, health equipment & fixtures, staff and lunch rooms, athletic facilities, playground equipment and office buildings. The list includes construction of teacher and/or workforce housing plus refinancing debt on existing facilities and school sites.
Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy positions on education and infrastructure, the League supports Measure L. Vote YES on Measure L.
Measure C – City of Albany Safe and Accessible Sidewalks and Pathways Special Parcel Tax – Support
Placed on the ballot by Albany City Council this measure needs the approval of two-thirds of the votes to pass.
Repair of sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner, yet the City can collectively do repairs for about half the cost. Waiting to repair means more deterioration which only increases the cost. Safe public walkways and pathways are basic elements for Albany’s Climate Action Plan of 2010 and its Active Transportation Plan of 2012 which both encourage pedestrian travel throughout the city. Measure C creates a guaranteed source of local funding. It is estimated that Measure C will provide an additional $392,282 in annual local funding dedicated to repairing and upgrading public sidewalks and improving Class I multi-use pathways. It replaces the existing sidewalk parcel tax from one based on property size brackets to one based on a tax per square foot of property. This means that the residents are taxed equitably. Measure C has exemptions for single family parcels and rentals if the persons’ combined family income qualifies as very low-income and provides a 50% discount to those qualifying as low-income. Applications for the exemptions and discounts are obtained from the Finance Director. The special tax is $0.017 per lot square foot, which is subject to a yearly adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index. The funding must be spent locally for Albany residents If approved. It will take effect July 1, 2025, and expire June 30, 2035.
Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy position on infrastructure, the League supports Measure C. Vote YES on Measure C.
Measure R – Supplemental Special Tax on Residential Rental Businesses -Support
Placed on the ballot by the City Council Requires two-thirds of the votes to pass
A Supplemental Special Tax would be levied on residential rental businesses operating in Albany. It would fund a tenant rental assistance program to help residents in crisis avoid homelessness, enhance the city’s monitoring of habitability of units, provide free or reduced legal assistance for tenants and landlords, and support rental providers. The Finance Director would annually prepare and submit to the City Council a report on the special tax proceeds collected and expended. The tax would begin January 1, 2025.
The tax would be calculated based on a percentage of gross receipts. There are exemptions for nonprofit corporations providing affordable housing, residential rental units that are controlled for income-qualified tenants, units owned or leased by a State University for student or faculty housing, or units owned or leased by Albany Unified School District for faculty or staff.
Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy position on housing and homelessness prevention, the League supports Measure R. Vote YES on Measure R.
Measure S – Charter Amendment on Appointment of Officers Authority -Support
This measure was placed on the ballot by the City Council and requires a simple majority to pass.
This change would ensure the City matches the best practices of other jurisdictions: of the 14 cities in Alameda County, all but three, including Albany, provide their City Manager appointment authority over officers and department heads. This change will make hiring easier by streamlining the process and ensure the retention of qualified City Managers. The hiring process is already difficult due to the struggle of attracting qualified candidates at this level and making a competitive offer before they take another job.
Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy position on housing and homelessness prevention, the League supports Measure R. Vote YES on Measure S.
Measure T – Charter amendment on city officers bonding requirement – Support
This measure was placed on the ballot by the City Council and requires a simple majority to pass.
This measure would remove confusion regarding the requirements for new City Officers by affirmatively stating that no City Officer is required to post a bond prior to taking up their official duties. The City’s Charter and the California Government Code include provisions suggesting that some City Officers may be required to post a bond before being hired. This clause has not been used in record in Albany.
Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy position on city charters, that states they should be clear, concise, and useful, containing only basic guidelines and necessary details, the League supports Measure T. Vote YES on Measure T.
Measure U – Charter amendment on city’s bonding limit and removing the exception for school purpose bonds -Support
This measure was placed on the ballot by the City Council and requires a simple majority to pass.
Measure U would remove language from the Charter that references bonding for school purposes ensuring there is no confusion for either the School District or the City to put forward bonds in the future. This measure would modernize the city charter and set up the City to better fund infrastructure in the future. Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy position on city charters, that states they should be clear, concise, and useful, containing only basic guidelines and necessary details, the League supports Measure U. Vote YES on Measure U.
Measure V – Charter amendment for youth voting on local candidates and ballot measures – Support
This measure was placed on the ballot by the City Council and requires a simple majority to pass.
Measure V will give more Albany residents a say in their government and encourage civic participation among young adults for years to come. This measure allows 16- and 17-year olds the right to vote in Albany’s elections. The neighboring cities of Berkeley and Oakland have already taken similar steps to allow youth voting in School Board elections in their cities, recognizing that our youth should have a voice in policies that impact them. Albany has the chance to give youth in the community an even greater voice, acknowledging that they are impacted by decisions made not only by the school board, but by the city council as well. Lowering the voting age to 16 is supported by a broad body of peer reviewed research that shows it is an effective strategy to encourage young adults to become voters over the course of their lifetimes.
Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy position on education, which seeks to motivate students to participate in civic life as informed, active citizens in our democracy, the League supports Measure V. Vote YES on Measure V.
BERKELEY MEASURES
Measure W – Real Property Transfer Tax Amendments – Support
Placed on the ballot by the City Council. It requires a majority to pass.
The City currently imposes real property transfer tax when real property is sold. The tax is jointly owed by the buyer and the seller. It is set at 1.5% of the sale price for prices at or below $1.5 million and 2.5% for prices above $1.5 million. Funds go to the city general fund.
When voters added the 2.5% rate to the previous single rate transfer tax in 2020, a panel of homeless services experts was established to make recommendations on how the City could best fund programs to reduce/end homelessness. City must consider but need not follow the suggestions. The revenues may be spent for any legitimate municipal purpose.
This measure would add two new rates to the transfer tax. The original 1.5% of the sale price would now cover sale prices below $1.6 million. The 2.5% would now cover sales from $1.6 million to less than $1.9 million. A new rate of 3% would cover sale prices from $1.9 million to less than $3 million and a second new rate of 3.5% would cover all sale prices at or over $3 million.
Based on the League of Women Voters of California’s housing and progressive taxation policy positions, the League supports this effort to address homelessness and housing insecurity. Vote YES on Measure W.
Measure X – Library Relief Act of 2024 – Support
Placed on the ballot by the City Council, it requires two-thirds of the votes cast to pass.
This measure creates a special parcel tax to maintain Berkeley Public Library facilities and services, prioritizing neighborhood libraries including the tool lending library. The tax would be charged at $0.06 per square foot for dwelling units and $0.09 per square foot for other properties. This is in addition to the current library tax of $0.28 per square foot for dwelling units and $0.4233 per square foot for other properties.
Our libraries provide critical educational resources, programming and information for all community members. They need additional money to maintain their current level of services and hours. Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville’s policy position on libraries, which states that our city should have a public library service responsive to community needs, the League supports Measure X. Vote YES on Measure X
Measure Y – Parks, Trees and Landscaping Maintenance Tax – Support
Placed on the ballot by the City Council. it requires two-thirds of the votes cast to pass.
This measure would increase the rate of the special parcel tax for parks, trees and landscaping. The current rate is $0.221 per square foot of buildings on the owner’s property. This would increase to $0.2652 per square foot. There is an exemption for property owners with low income. All of the funds raised by this tax does, and will continue to go to exactly to what it says, the maintenance of our parks, trees and landscaping
Our parks are open to us all and provide fun and relaxation. This is a modest but needed increase.
Based on the League of Women Voters of Bay Area’s policy position that maintains that public parks should be sufficiently funded as they are vital to community life, the League supports Measure Y. Vote YES on Measure Y
Measure Z – Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Amendments – Support
Placed on the ballot by the City Council. It requires a majority to pass.
Responding to increased rates of diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color, connected to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, a measure was placed on the ballot in 2014 to levy a general tax on the distribution of sugar-sweetened beverages at a rate of 1 cent per fluid ounce. It included exceptions for natural fruit and vegetable juices, milk products, baby formula, and drinks taken for medical reasons. It is paid by the soda distributors.
Since the passage in 2014, consumption of sugary drinks has gone down, water consumption is up, and obesity rates for Berkeley’s kids have decreased. The tax helps pay gardening teachers in all 17 BUSD schools so kids of all ages can participate in Cooking and Gardening Programs.
The League supported the measure in 2014, the year it passed – it is due to expire on Jan. 1, 2027. Measure Z makes no changes except to remove the “sunset” date. Let’s keep something that works so well. Vote YES on Measure Z
Measure AA – Art. XIIIB GANN Limit Authorization – Support
Placed on the ballot by the City Council. it requires a majority to pass.
This measure would extend the voter-approved spending authorization by an additional four years, allowing the City to continue to spend all funds generated by City taxes for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. This measure would not increase taxes or create any new taxes. It would authorize the City to continue to spend the proceeds from existing taxes as well as any income from the investment of the revenues generated by those taxes. Vote YES on Measure AA
Measures BB and CC:
They both deal with rental housing and landlord and renters’ rights. If both pass, the one with the greatest number of votes will be declared the winner.
Measure BB – Rent Stabilization Ordinance Amendments and Housing Retention – Neutral
Placed on the ballot by the City Council. It requires a majority to pass.
This measure would enact a law requiring the City Manager to recommend how the City should use existing general fund revenues to fund a housing retention program and to prevent homelessness. The City Manager would be authorized to establish rules and regulations for eligibility for the program.
This measure would also reduce the maximum allowable annual rent increases from 7% to 5%, and the League of Women Voters of California recognizes that unintended consequences may result from rent control measures that slow down housing stock production. Therefore, the League remains neutral on Measure BB.
Measure CC – Establish Direct Rental Payments and Amendments to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance – Oppose
Citizens’ Initiative. It requires a majority to pass.
This measure would use existing revenue to create a fund for rent payments to property owners on certain tenants’ behalf; to expand exemptions from rent control and registration for certain single-family homes and two-unit properties; to allow property owners and tenants to agree to rent increases in exchange for services or amenities; to modify certain grounds for eviction; to allow tenants’ associations; and to remove certain powers from the Rent Board.
The League recognizes that no tenants’ rights organization has endorsed this measure, and it would overreach into the Rent Stabilization Board’s authority and powers. This does not represent a balanced approach to addressing tenant and landlord interests. Therefore, the League’s position is Vote No on Measure CC.
Measure DD – Prohibition on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations – No Position
Citizens’ Initiative. It requires a majority to pass.
This measure would amend the Berkeley Municipal Code to prohibit any person or entity from establishing a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) or expanding an existing CAFO within the City of Berkeley. The measure would also require that existing CAFOs cease operations in the city within a year of the measure’s passage. The City Council would have enforcement authority.
The League has not studied Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Therefore, we have no position on Measure DD.
Measures EE and FF are initiatives brought by two separate campaigns – the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville supported both – voters choose their preference. They both deal with repaving, repair and maintenance of our streets and sidewalks and pedestrian pathways. Both intend the funds generated would be used in addition to what the city already budgets for these items. Both require a citizen’s oversight commission be established and include other reports and audits. The term, PCI, used below means pavement condition index, and 70 is considered good.
Both measures require a simple majority to pass. If both pass, the one with the greatest number of votes will be declared the winner.
Measure EE – Fix the Streets & Sidewalks Initiative – Support
Citizens’ Initiative. It requires a majority to pass.
Measure EE’s parcel tax would be assessed at $0.13 per square foot on residential, commercial, and other property within the city. It includes an exemption for low-income homeowners. It would last for 12 years and is estimated to generate about $10.8 million per year. It focuses on current streets, sidewalks and pedestrian pathways. New construction is not involved. But our current 15.8-mile bicycle boulevard network will get repaired paving and traffic calming features. This measure requires that the worst streets be repaired before others with a vision that finally all streets will have a PCI of 70.
More money than the $15.3 million that the City Council put in the budget in 2022 is needed to make our streets and sidewalks safe. This measure is well focused and will provide 12 years of stable financing. Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville’s infrastructure policy position, voters should choose their preferred measure. Vote YES on Measure EE
Measure FF – Safe Streets Initiative – Support
Citizens’ Initiative. It requires a majority to pass.
Measure FF’s parcel tax would be assessed at $0.17 per square foot for dwellings and $0.25 per square foot for stores, offices and other buildings. This tax would last 14 years and generate an estimated $15 million annually. This somewhat greater amount would be used for enhancements to our streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian pathways and their environments. Enhancements include repairs that bring the city’s average PCI to 70; safety improvements where needed; and environmental enhancements such as climate resiliency measures.
Measure FF costs more and includes more. It will provide two more years of stable financing and improve our streets. Based on the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville’s infrastructure policy position, voters should choose their preferred measure. Vote YES on Measure FF
Measure GG – Ordinance to Adopt a Special Tax on Natural Gas Consumption in Buildings 15,000 Sq. Ft. or Larger – Neutral
Citizens’ Initiative. It requires a majority to pass.
This measure would impose a new special tax on buildings of 15,000 square feet or larger that use natural gas for heating and cooling. The tax rate would be about $2.9647 per therm of gas used annually. It exempts government buildings, single-family residences, and residential buildings with at least 50% affordable units. The tax would be charged to the building owner who would be prohibited from passing it onto tenants in the form of increased rent. The revenue would be used for building decarbonization programs, administration and establishing an oversight committee. It is estimated to raise $26.7 million the first year and more thereafter until its expiration on December 31, 2050.
The League recognizes that we all must cut greenhouse gas emissions as much and as quickly as possible, but given our economic development policy position, in the context of our only recent emergence from a once-in-a century global pandemic that had dire economic impacts, the League is neutral on Measure GG.
Measure HH – Ordinance Requiring the Adoption of Minimum Indoor Air Quality Standards in City-Owned and City-Leased Buildings – No Position
Citizens’ Initiative. It requires a majority to pass.
This measure would set new indoor air quality standards for City owned or leased buildings. It mandates the use of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 241-2023 or a standard of equal or superior stringency. The City would also be required to maintain the necessary equipment and shut things down if there is a malfunction.
The League definitely agrees that city buildings should have good clean air, especially for those who work in them all day. But the League has not studied any relevant standards, or the many other requirements listed in this measure. Therefore, we do not have a position on Measure HH.
State Propositions
VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CALIFORNIA
All League News