Measure GG - City of Berkeley General Tax Measure

Summary

A “YES” Vote on Measure GG is a vote in favor to authorize the City of Berkeley to establish a 50 cent fee for each rideshare trip in order to generate General Fund revenue.

A “NO” vote on Measure GG is a vote in opposition of authorizing the City of Berkeley to establish a 50 cent fee for each rideshare trip.

Arguments

"Measure GG establishes a 50 cent fee for each rideshare trip, generating General Fund revenue to improve Berkeley’s streets, safety and environment. Measure GG does not raise property taxes or sales taxes paid by everyday Berkeleyans. For those who choose rideshare, the fee encourages them to limit their environmental impact by utilizing shared rides through a discounted fee of 25 cents.", in support of Measure GG (Learn more)

"Measure GG will: ● Encourage more shared rides through a discounted fee. This will help reduce trips and our carbon emissions. ● Offer exemptions for healthcare workers and vehicles that are wheelchair accessible. ● Allow the Council to adopt further exemptions, waivers or discounts including those for low-income discount programs, free or donated trips, youth programs and more. ● Generate at least $900,000 annually to support general municipal services like paving streets and improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure." , in support of Measure GG (Learn more)

"Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, provide Berkeley residents and visitors with affordable, convenient, and quick mobility, especially useful where walking, biking, driving and transit won’t work. TNCs allow residents in the hills and other less walkable areas to abstain from driving (or even owning a car). They bring visitors to Berkeley who don’t need to rent - and park - a car. They can reduce parking, and congestion, from “driving around the block” trying to find parking.", in opposition to Measure GG (Learn more)

"But the City deceptively tells us that TNCs do not pay their share of street maintenance. TNCs do pay for City street repairs, the same as anyone else. We all buy gasoline and pay State gas tax and sales tax on the gasoline and autos, which is then distributed by the State to cities for street repairs. The TNCs buy more gasoline than anyone else and therefore pay more road taxes than anyone else. The problem with Berkeley’s streets is that the City diverts street paving funds away from the paving budget. Don’t blame Transportation Network Companies for Berkeley’s bad streets. The Berkeley City Council fails to budget enough funds for good maintenance. In fact, in 2018, Berkeley DIDN’T PAVE A SINGLE STREET." , in opposition to Measure GG (Learn more)

Measure Details