Fresno proposes city-only transportation tax after county measure fails

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Council President Nelson Esparza announced a plan Thursday to ask Fresno voters to approve a half-cent city sales tax in November to maintain transportation funding after the countywide Measure C renewal effort failed.

The proposal comes after the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted not to place a countywide Measure C renewal on the November ballot. City leaders say the measure would replace expiring Measure C funding for road repairs, public transit and other transportation projects.

Councilmember Mike Karbassi stressed the proposal would not raise the city’s current sales tax rate. Instead, officials say the measure would maintain the existing half-cent transportation tax.

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“We’re not going to let them determine whether or not we pave our roads. We’re not going to allow them determine whether or not we keep people safe. We’re not going to allow them to determine whether or not we’re able to provide reliable transportation to the people of Fresno,” Dyer said, referring to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

City officials warned that losing the funding could affect street maintenance, Fresno Area Express bus service and transportation projects. Dyer also said the city could eventually face staffing reductions if voters reject the measure.

“We don’t want to go backwards on our road conditions, and we certainly don’t want to go backwards in all the achievements that we’ve had over the years in terms of public safety,” Dyer said. “But all of those have the potential to be severely impacted if we don’t pass this measure.”

The proposed tax would expire after 10 years or sooner if voters approve a future countywide transportation tax, Dyer said.

The Fresno City Council is expected to consider placing the measure on the November 2026 ballot at its next meeting. If approved by the council, the measure would go before Fresno voters. Because it is a general tax, it would require a simple majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass.

Esparza said city leaders had only a short window to develop an alternative before the election deadline.

The Breakdown

• The Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted not to place a countywide Measure C renewal on the November ballot
• Fresno city leaders responded by proposing a city-only half-cent sales tax to maintain the existing transportation funding level
• The measure would not increase the current sales tax rate but would replace expiring Measure C revenue
• The proposed tax would last 10 years or end sooner if a countywide transportation tax passes
• The City Council must vote to place it on the November 2026 ballot
• If placed on the ballot, it would need 50% plus one vote to pass

What This Means for You

If the City Council places this measure on the November ballot and you approve it, your sales tax rate stays the same but funds continue going to road repairs, FAX bus service, and transportation projects in Fresno. If the measure fails, the city warns it may need to cut street maintenance and potentially reduce city staffing, including in public safety departments.