Fresno County Transportation Measure C Set to Expire in 2027; Replacement Headed to Ballot

A transportation funding measure that has helped pay for roads, highways and infrastructure projects across Fresno County for nearly four decades is set to expire in June 2027. Supporters are working to put a replacement measure before voters this November.

More than 150 elected officials, business leaders and community members gathered in downtown Fresno to rally behind the proposed Better Roads, Safe Streets transportation measure. The initiative would continue the existing half-cent sales tax established under Measure C, rather than create a new tax, while shifting more funding toward neighborhood streets, sidewalks and rural roads.

Measure C has funded transportation projects throughout Fresno County since voters first approved it in 1986. Revenue from the half-cent sales tax has helped pay for freeway construction, highway improvements and transit projects.

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Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer stated that the City of Fresno alone has over $1.2 billion in deferred street maintenance and another $300 million in deferred maintenance for sidewalks. Mendota Mayor Victor Martinez said smaller communities stand to benefit as well.

Supporters have collected approximately 22,000 signatures in an effort to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors is expected to consider certifying the petition signatures. Although California law gives county officials until Aug. 21 to complete the signature review process, the Board of Supervisors would need to approve placing the measure on the November ballot by Aug. 7.

According to an economic analysis prepared by Fresno-based advisory firm Penbera Paris, the measure would produce approximately $13.4 billion in total economic output throughout Fresno County over the next 30 years.

Fresno County Transportation Authority Executive Director Moses Stites said there is enough money available to complete every transportation project that has already been programmed for construction. While the half-cent sales tax will officially stop being collected in June 2027, Measure C funding will continue supporting projects already in the pipeline through June 2029.

A separate transportation proposal, known as Fix Our Roads, is also seeking a place on the November ballot. Fresno County Registrar of Voters James Kus said the campaign has not yet submitted any signatures, but organizers still have 40 days remaining to circulate petitions.

The Breakdown

• The current Measure C is a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1986 that funds transportation projects countywide
• The tax is scheduled to expire in June 2027, with funding continuing for already-programmed projects through June 2029
• The proposed replacement measure would continue the same half-cent sales tax rate rather than increase it
• The new measure would shift more funding toward neighborhood streets, sidewalks and rural roads compared to the current focus on regional highway and freeway projects
• Supporters have collected approximately 22,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot
• The Board of Supervisors must act by Aug. 7 to place it on the November ballot, though state law allows until Aug. 21 for signature review

What This Means for You

If the measure qualifies and voters approve it in November, you will continue paying the same half-cent sales tax you currently pay under Measure C, but more of that money would go toward fixing neighborhood streets and sidewalks in your community rather than regional highway projects. If it does not pass, the tax expires in June 2027 and the county loses a major funding source for road maintenance and repairs.