November 3, 2026 Ballot Measure J

On June 8, 2026, the City Council voted to place a ½ cent (0.50%) Sales Tax (Transactions and Use Tax) measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot. A majority vote is required to pass.

The adopted resolution and ordinance outlining the City of Palo Alto Community Safety/Services Ballot Measure J are available here:

Resolution No. 10295 - Placing the Measure on the Ballot
Ordinance No. 5699 - Codifying the Measure If Approved by Voters
Resolution No. 10296 - Spending Guidelines

City of Palo Alto Community Safety/Services Ballot Measure J Question

City of Palo Alto Community Safety/Services Measure. To provide general city services including repairing Cubberley Community Center for current safety, earthquake, accessibility standards; upgrading deteriorating electrical systems, wiring, plumbing; acquiring outdoor space/sites; maintaining streets, safe, clean downtown/commercial cores; preparing for natural disasters; repairing deteriorating community spaces, libraries, shall City of Palo Alto’s measure enacting a 0.5% (½ ¢) sales tax, providing approximately $15,600,000 annually until ended by voters, with published financial audits, all funds used locally, be adopted?

YES

Impartial Analysis & Arguments

Impartial Analysis for Measure J(PDF, 99KB)

Primary Argument in Favor of Measure J(PDF, 11MB)

Primary Argument Against Measure J(PDF, 6MB)

Rebuttal to the Argument in Favor of Measure J(PDF, 4MB)

Rebuttal to the Argument Against Measure J(PDF, 13MB)

Argument Packet Information

Primary Arguments will be available for public inspection beginning on August 12, 2026. Rebuttal Arguments and the City Attorney's Impartial Analysis will be available for public inspection beginning on August 19, 2026.

For information on submitting arguments in support of or opposition to a ballot measure:

2026 Measure Packet (PDF, 274KB)

Primary Argument (PDF, 766KB)

Rebuttal Argument (PDF, 375KB)