Measure L

Frequently Asked Questions

What contributes to the City of Alameda’s quality of life?

Alamedans are proud to call our City home because of our quality of life — safe streets and neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, reliable public services, and a strong sense of community.

 

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What challenges does our City face?

Alameda’s aging infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes, severe weather, and sea-level rise. To keep our neighborhoods safe, we need more funding for critical repairs before they become even more expensive. Alameda’s quality of life depends on infrastructure that works.

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Is Alameda’s critical infrastructure in need of repair? 

Yes, Alameda’s critical infrastructure was built decades ago and does not meet current earthquake safety standards. Roads and sidewalks also need repairs to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can go where they need to quickly and safely, whether they drive, walk, or bike. This includes fixing potholes, repairing sidewalks, improving traffic safety, and maintaining safe routes to school.

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Can improvements to aging City facilities be funded with current resources?

No. Maintaining the City’s financial stability is a top priority, and we know that the City’s existing financial resources are not sufficient to address these growing infrastructure needs.

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What’s the plan to address these infrastructure needs?

Measure L is a local funding measure on the November 2026 ballot that will provide a dedicated funding source for our critical infrastructure needs and make a safer, resilient Alameda.

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What projects will be funded?  

Measure L will fund projects like:

• Prevent flooding in the Tubes and on City streets

• Protect public safety during natural disasters

• Repair potholes

• Keep pollution out of the Bay

• Maintain rapid response to fires, crashes, and medical emergencies

 

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Does Measure L include fiscal accountability protections?

Yes, Measure L includes strict fiscal accountability protections, including: 

• All funds stay local in Alameda — nothing can be taken by the State or Federal government

• Independent citizens’ oversight and annual audits ensure every penny is spent as promised

• By law, Measure L can’t fund salaries or pensions

• A detailed project list outlines the use of all funds

 

 

Are any upgrades to the City’s fire stations being considered?

Fire stations do not currently meet earthquake safety standards, leaving us vulnerable in a major earthquake. Additionally, many of the City’s existing fire stations were built before current health and safety standards were established and don’t include dedicated spaces for firefighters to properly decontaminate themselves or their protective equipment after emergency calls. This increases the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and carcinogens. Measure L could help modernize stations and support firefighter health and safety while ensuring they can continue providing reliable emergency response services when we need them most.

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Could this funding be taken by the State or Federal Government?  

No. Funds cannot be taken by the State or Federal Government or used for purposes other than those specified Measure L. All funds from Measure L would benefit the City of Alameda only.

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Why do we need Measure L now?

Flooded streets. Rising seas. Looming earthquakes. That’s the new reality for Alameda. The time to act is now. As an island community, we’re on the front lines of sea-level rise. Severe storms and king tides aren’t rare — they're routine. It’s no longer a question of if our streets, homes, and businesses will flood, it’s when. To make matters worse, the Federal Government has cut more than $50 million in grant funding for flooding and disaster preparedness just as the need is greatest. With so much uncertainty at the national level, we need a local solution to protect our island. We can’t afford to wait. Without Measure L, we will not have the funds to maintain our quality of life: safe streets and neighborhoods, well-maintained parks and open spaces, and vibrant local business districts.

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What happens if Measure L is not passed?

With so much uncertainty in Washington, DC and without a dedicated local funding source, the City will be forced to pull from the General Fund — the same pot of money that pays for everyday services like parks and emergency response. That leaves fewer dollars available for the services Alamedans rely on to maintain our quality of life, and the flooded streets and other urgent needs residents face today will simply continue if projects are not completed.

 

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When can I vote on Measure L? 

Measure L will be on the November 3 ballot. All registered voters in Alameda will receive a ballot by mail in early October. Your vote is critical to maintain Alameda’s quality of life. 

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What level of support is required for Measure L to pass?

Two thirds of voters who cast a ballot on Measure L must vote “Yes” in order for Measure L to be approved.

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Where can I read Measure L’s detailed project list?

To read the detailed project list included in the text of Measure L that outlines the specific uses of funds, visit this webpage.

 

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Isn't the federal government supposed to handle this?

The federal government won't save us. They've already cut millions in funding for flooding and disaster-preparedness. Our community can't afford to wait — the problem gets more expensive and dangerous every year. Trust climate scientists, fiscal watchdogs, and local business leaders: Vote Yes on L!
 

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What happens if Measure L is not passed?

With so much uncertainty in Washington, DC and without a dedicated local funding source, we will see money taken from the General Fund — the same pot of money that pays for everyday services like parks and emergency response. That leaves fewer dollars available for the services Alamedans rely on to maintain our quality of life, and the flooded streets and other urgent needs residents face today will simply continue if projects are not completed.

 

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Will this funding be used for sewer infrastructure?

Sewer infrastructure is funded through its own funding source. While the City currently has more than $800 million in unfunded infrastructure needs, the sewer system is already sufficiently funded. However, many of our storm drains are too small for today’s conditions, which leads to more frequent flooding during storms and high tides. Measure L funds would be used to maintain and repair our stormwater infrastructure to keep pollution out of the Bay and prevent flooding on city streets, shorelines, and in the Tubes.

 

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How much would a Measure L cost? 

Measure L’s cost based on the assessed value (not the market value) of your home. The assessed value is based on the original purchase price of a property and is typically much lower than the current market value of a property. In other words, those who have lived in their homes the longest and have lower original purchase prices will pay the least. And those who purchased more recently and will see the greatest long-term benefits of the investments will pay more. In addition to residential homeowners, businesses and other property owners will also pay the cost.

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Where can I learn more about Measure L? 

To read the full text of the measure and see the exact plan to create a safer, more resilient Alameda click HERE. You can also read more informational materials at alamedaca.gov/strongertogether.