Measure C, the Fresno County half-cent sales tax for transportation projects, expires in 2027. Voters will need to approve a renewal next year, or billions could be lost.

Although there are no formal proposals, two groups are working to place items on the ballot. The official Measure C committee is working on one project. A coalition of environmental justice groups called Transportation for All is working on another.

And, nonprofit Central Valley Community Foundation is hoping the sides will compromise. The group enlisted former county supervisor Steve Brandau to help.

“I’ve really started the process of just creating conversations,” Brandau told GV Wire. “(CVCF) hired me to help facilitate the passage of Measure C.”

Brandau ran for reelection in 2024, but lost to Garry Bredefeld.

An effort to pass a Measure C renewal failed in 2022. Although 58% of the county voters approved, it needed two-thirds. Environmental justice groups mounted opposition to the formula that traditionally favored road spending.

“Before it gets too late, let’s bring the sides together. What does that mean? That means there’s going to be compromise on all sides. Now, if nobody’s interested in that, then we’ll probably have more than one measure on our ballot, which could mean disaster for Measure C,” Brandau said.

Brandau said CVCF will help with signatures (if necessary) and funding a campaign, but only if there is a compromise measure.

How Many Measure Cs Will Voters See?

Disagreements between traditional government groups and environmental justice groups over the content of a Measure C renewal sank efforts to place the item on the 2024 ballot. Even the city of Fresno has squabbled in recent years over what the next Measure C will look like.

Measure C is administered through the Fresno County Transportation Authority. Its nine-member board of directors includes elected officials from cities in the county, and two public members at large.

The group has a Measure C steering committee, which meets Thursday at 3 p.m. at the FCTA office in downtown Fresno. Various labor, business and other community groups make up the 23-member committee.

The measure has spent $2.1 billion since it went into effect in 1987, according to Measure C officials. State and federal funds added an additional $8 billion. Voters renewed Measure C for another 20 years (through 2027) in 2006.

The steering committee spoke to the Clovis City Council on Monday, with an update on the ballot measure.

In a 10-minute presentation, consultant Kendall Flint explained the basics of Measure C, with its website taking suggestions on future spending.

“It’s not going to be smooth. We will see what will happen,” Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua said Monday. He is also a member of regional planning agency Fresno Council of Governments.

The steering committee continues its presentation at the Mendota City Council on Tuesday. The group is scheduled to speak at the Fresno City Council on May 22. There are also several community meetings planned.

Transportation for All formed an official fundraising committee with Fresno County, raising just over $3,500 in 2024 according to the last report. Fresno Building Healthy Communities president/CEO Sandra Celedon Castro is listed as the group’s principal officer. She is also running for state Assembly in 2026.

Last weekend, Transportation for All held a kickoff event in the city of San Joaquin.

Perhaps indicative of where the group stands, the website features a crossed-out Measure C logo.

“Over the years, politicians and their donors have backed too many projects that create sprawl, increase truck traffic and pollution, and hurt neighborhoods,” the group said.

The goal is “building a successful, inclusive, sustainable transportation,” focusing on rural residents, Transportation for All said on its website.

Calls to members of the coalition — Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, Fresno Building Healthy Communities, and the League of Women Voters — were not returned.

How Many Signatures Are Needed?

How the item winds up on the ballot may determine how many votes are needed to pass. If a government agency places the item on the ballot, because it is a tax for a specific purpose, it needs two-thirds approval from voters. If a measure reaches the ballot by signature gathering, it only needs a majority.

Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters James Kus said 21,909 verified signatures are needed to qualify an item on the countywide ballot. The number is based on 10% of county voters in the last election for governor in November 2022.

“We encourage collecting between 25% and 50% additional signatures on any petition in Fresno County,” Kus said.

He recommends collecting signatures at least one year out.

If there are two competing measures, what actually goes into law could be complicated. Generally, Kus said, if both pass, the measure receiving more votes would win.

“Measure C may not be that simple though, so this question might be better directed to a legal expert,” Kus said.

Brandau Willing to Put Past Aside

In 2018, Brandau — then a member of the Fresno City Council — called Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability — “poverty pimps.”

Brandau said it is time “to come together and pass this measure.” He said he’s met with the Transportation for All leadership.

“If I have to listen to and acknowledge both sides, I’m willing to do that. But if Measure C goes away, then everybody can go down to Lowe’s and get their own little asphalt mix and patch their own potholes,” Brandau said.