Measure L is the City of Santa Rosa’s Community Safety and Financial Stability Measure.  If passed by voters, it extends an existing sales tax until ended by voters at a new rate of 1 penny per dollar spent on items subject to sales tax. The existing sales tax rate affiliated with this measure in Santa Rosa is ½ of 1 penny per dollar spent on items subject to sales tax.

The Santa Rosa City Council voted to place Measure L on the ballot in the November 3, 2026 election. Voters will receive their ballots the Week of October 5th.

The ballot question for Measure L states: Shall the measure maintaining Santa Rosa’s quality of life, 911 emergency medical, police response to violent crimes; keeping all city fire stations open and public spaces safe/clean; fixing streets/repairing potholes; addressing homeless encampments; maintaining police, fire protection, other services, by reauthorizing the existing, voter approved sales tax at an updated 1₵ rate, providing approximately $46,000,000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits, public disclosure, local control, be adopted?

There is no known opposition to Measure L. Taxpayer watchdogs, community groups, and members of the public had an opportunity to submit an argument opposing Measure L. After the deadline to submit an argument had passed, the city confirmed that no argument was submitted against Measure L, and since that time, no known opposition has surfaced.

Measure L is projected to raise $46 million annually for the City of Santa Rosa, roughly double what the existing sales tax currently generates, which brings in about $23 million annually.

Measure L will secure Santa Rosa’s future by stabilizing the city budget, supporting strong public safety services, and increasing opportunities to spend funds on improved streets and sidewalks. Measure L is a general tax, but city leaders are discussing opportunities that may include a road rehabilitation bond, as well as stronger fiscal policies to reduce the city’s unfunded pension liabilities within 15 years, a process that has been years in the making and is likely to fully come to fruition with the passage of Measure L.

Yes. The City Attorney for the City of Santa Rosa conducted an impartial analysis of Measure L. You can read the independent analysis here.

Measure L includes mechanisms to maintain transparency and accountability regarding all expenditures. Measure L requires independent audits and detailed accounting and public reporting of all spending. Importantly, all funds stay in Santa Rosa – funds can’t be diverted to the state or federal government for expenditures not related to city government services. Voters also have the ultimate authority to consider repealing the measure in the future if funds aren’t spent responsibly.

Measure L will only take effect if passed by a majority of voters (who vote at least 50% + 1 or more votes in favor of Measure L) from Santa Rosa voters who vote on Measure L and return their ballots in the November 3, 2026 election.

Measure L is supported by the Sonoma County Democratic Party, Santa Rosa Fire Fighters Association, Santa Rosa Police Officers Association, North Bay Labor Council and other labor groups such as Teamsters Local 665 and SEIU Local 1021, as well as every member of the Santa Rosa City Council. Residents throughout Santa Rosa are also coming forward in support of Measure L. You can see a full list of supporters here.