Keeping Measure J Sales Tax Monies Where They Belong:

Supporting Public Transportation, Smart Growth, Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety, and Affordable Housing

In 2004, TransForm worked together with 39 labor, social justice, and environmental partners to pass a ½ cent transportation sales tax for Contra Costa County (Measure J).   Measure J included hundreds of millions of dollars for public transportation, smart growth, bicycle/pedestrian safety, and affordable housing - and passed with 70% of the vote!

Part of this victory was the creation of the first-in-the-nation smart growth program supported by a local sales tax, Contra Costa's Transportation for Livable Communities program  (TLC). This program incentivizes cities to create more affordable housing and move away from sprawl development. It would provide millions of dollars for local governments in planning and infrastructure for transit-oriented development.

With sales tax revenue down in Contra Costa County, TransForm is working to ensure that Measure J funds continue to be dedicated to public transportation, smart growth, bicycle/pedestrian safety, and affordable housing.

SB 375 and Contra Costa County

SB 375 will require regions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving transportation choices and how communities are designed so they require less driving.  Learn more about SB 375.

Contra Costa County will play a role in developing a strategy for meeting this goal. Learn more about how Contra Costa County is approaching SB 375.

Contact Olivia deBree, TransForm's Contra Costa Organizer for more info.