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Taxes

Community Voice

Half-cent sales tax (Measure B)

San Diego County voters face a November 2026 ballot measure for a permanent half-cent sales tax increase projected to raise $360-450 million annually, with funds earmarked mainly for social services hit by federal cuts, Tijuana River sewage infrastructure, and public safety. It is backed by labor unions, nonprofits, and Democratic supervisors as essential, while opponents including Republicans and some editorials call it an unnecessary permanent burden that could primarily fund union costs rather than core needs.

Should San Diego County approve Measure B, the permanent half-cent countywide sales tax increase?

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Sources

San Diego Union-Tribune — https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/10/11/lofty-promises-have-been-made-for-a-countywide-sales-tax-hike-heres-where-the-money-would-go/
Citizen initiative (backed by labor unions like SEIU, nonprofits, and Democratic supervisors) for a permanent half-cent sales tax increase... Projected revenue: $360–450 million in year one
Voice of San Diego — https://voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/09/the-fine-print-in-the-countywide-sales-tax-hike-pitch/
Majority (~60%): Social services—health care/food security/nutrition for those hit by federal cuts, childcare/family programs. Up to ~22.5% (~$90–100M): Tijuana River Valley sewage infrastructure
San Diego Union-Tribune — https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/10/01/san-diego-county-voters-more-supportive-of-raising-sales-tax-than-relaxing-term-limits-poll-finds/
Opponents (Republicans, some editorials like the Union-Tribune, groups like Reform California) call it unnecessary/permanent tax burden that would mainly enable union pay reopeners/pension costs
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Strongly yes: fully fund social services, sewage fixes, and safety as vital response to federal cuts
  2. Yes, prioritize the tax for Tijuana sewage and health programs hit by federal policy changes
  3. Support only if spending is tightly capped and audited for core infrastructure first
  4. Undecided pending clearer guarantees the revenue will not mainly raise union costs
  5. No, reject the permanent hike as an unnecessary burden on residents and businesses
  6. Oppose and seek spending cuts or temporary alternatives instead of new taxes
  7. Strongly oppose as fiscal irresponsibility enabling pensions over real taxpayer relief