Berkeley voters have seven local measures on the Nov. 3 ballot, Berkeleyside reports. Here is a quick guide. The city's ballot measures page links to the city attorney's impartial analysis for each one.

The seven measures

  • Measure U: $300 million infrastructure bond. The city has identified 34 possible projects, including renovating the 911 dispatch center and building a sea wall at the marina's South Cove. April polling found 69% initial support, which fell to 64% after voters heard arguments for and against. That is below the threshold needed to pass.
  • Measure V: half-cent sales tax. Expected to raise $9 million to $10 million a year for the general fund. It would bring Berkeley's sales tax rate to 10.75%. It needs a simple majority, and April polling found 52% support.
  • Measure W: charter changes to election rules. Among other changes, it would cut council candidate filing fees from $150 to $25.
  • Measure X: changes to rent rules. It tweaks regulations from 2024's Measure BB.
  • Measure Y: performing arts parcel tax. 7 cents per square foot of improvements, or $105 a year for a 1,500-square-foot home. Estimated at about $6.3 million a year over 12 years.
  • Measure Z: parcel tax to fund a public bank.
  • Measure AA: doubling the soda tax.

The budget backdrop

Berkeley faces a $30 million general fund deficit, according to Berkeleyside. The council's budget includes layoffs and cuts, including a winter homeless shelter and the Mobile Crisis Team. Officials say the city could close a fire station if the sales tax fails.

For more detail, see our explainers on each measure, linked from our Elections section.