I. RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 4315, approving the support of the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act (Better Roads, Safe Street) Transportation Measure.
This item was requested as a Future Agenda Item by Councilman Vosburg.
II. BACKGROUND:
The Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act ("Better Roads, Safe Streets") is a proposed 30-year, approximately $7.5 billion measure for the 2026 ballot aimed at replacing the expiring Measure C. It prioritizes fixing local streets, filling potholes, enhancing safety, and improving public transit through a 0.5% sales tax, dedicating 65% of funds to local road repairs and 25% to transit.
III. DISCUSSION:
Key Features of the "Better Roads, Safe Streets" Proposal:
- Focus on Safety: Aims to reduce crashes and improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians through better intersection designs, traffic signals, and lighting.
- Accountability & Equity: Targets resources toward neighborhoods with the worst roads and ensures a $400,000 minimum annual funding floor for smaller, rural cities.
- Support: Backed by a coalition of community groups, including Fresno Building Healthy Communities and Fresno DRIVE.
- Comparison: This is a competing measure against the "Fix Our Roads" plan, focusing more on local repair rather than large-scale highway expansion.
The initiative aims to address billions in deferred maintenance and provide safer, better-connected streets for Fresno County residents by replacing Measure C after its expiration in 2027.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
Do not support the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act (Better Roads, Safe Street) Transportation Measure.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
None. | | |