Measure LL - City of Berkeley Ballot Measure

Summary

A “YES” vote on Measure LL is a vote in favor to authorize the City of Berkeley to extend the voter-approved spending authorization by an additional four years, thereby allowing the City to continue to appropriate all funds generated by City taxes for fiscal years 2021 through 2024. This measure would authorize the City to continue to spend the proceeds from existing taxes as well as any income from the investment of the revenues generated by those taxes.

A “NO” vote on Measure LL is a vote in opposition to authorize the City of Berkeley to extend the voter-approved spending authorization by an additional four years, thereby allowing the City to continue to appropriate all funds generated by City taxes for fiscal years 2021 through 2024. This measure would authorize the City to continue to spend the proceeds from existing taxes as well as any income from the investment of the revenues generated by those taxes.

Arguments

"Because of a state mandated ceiling on city expenditures, this ballot measure must come before the voters every four years for approval. Measure LL must pass or city services will be sharply curtailed. This measure does not raise taxes... This measure will allow City of Berkeley Departments to continue to provide these important, tax supported community services to our growing population. If Measure LL does not pass, the City will lose tens of millions of dollars in voter approved tax revenue, forcing dramatic reductions in landscaping, park maintenance, library services, paramedic and physically disabled services, fire safety, and disaster preparedness. These services impact the quality of life throughout our city. Measure LL was placed on the ballot by a unanimous City Council.", in support of Measure LL (Learn more)

"The City misleads the public when they ask you to vote to allow them to spend the proceeds of already approved taxes. Among California cities, Berkeley is at the top level of per capita spending, employees per capita, and local taxation. Now, in a time of devastating health and economic impacts for most of our residents, our officials are trying to raise the tax burden even higher with a series of new tax measures and raises for City Councilmembers!", in opposition to Measure LL (Learn more)

"It is one thing if our taxes were spent to fix up our streets, parks, Marina, the University Avenue city gateway, and other infrastructure. Instead, the spending increases have mostly gone to prop up the City bureaucracy and its favored constituencies. Despite all the spending, Berkeley's social, physical and economic conditions have palpably worsened. And almost all of the recent “cuts” were of already-vacant employee positions! Excess revenues are already accumulating, and that is why the City wants you to allow them to spend it. Demand results for all of our tax dollars spent.", in opposition to Measure LL (Learn more)

Measure Details