City of Berkeley Measure U — Bond Measure (Alameda County)

What it does

Shall the measure authorizing issuance of $300,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund acquisition and improvement of fire stations, emergency response facilities, parks and recreation facilities, and other public infrastructure and facilities, and increase climate resiliency, subject to independent oversight and audits, be adopted? Financial Implications: Average annual taxpayer costs over projected 40 years bonds are outstanding are approximately $22.14 per $100,000 assessed property value; generating approximately $15,200,000/year.

A YES vote means

Berkeley could issue $300,000,000 in bonds for fire stations, emergency facilities, parks and other public infrastructure, costing property owners about $22.14 per $100,000 of assessed value a year on average over about 40 years.

A NO vote means

Berkeley would not issue these $300,000,000 in bonds, and the related property tax would not be levied.

Needed to pass

A two-thirds supermajority: at least 2 out of every 3 YES and NO votes must be YES, so a measure can get a majority and still fail.

Left–right lean

Unclear: our AI read of the official summary isn't confident enough (we require 70%) to place this on the left–right spectrum, so we don't. Read the summary and decide for yourself.

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

The Berkeley City Council placed this $300 million bond on the ballot by Resolution No. 72,338-N.S., adopted June 16, 2026 with no votes against, according to the resolution filed with the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.

The resolution states that the City's adopted 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program identified over $1.5 billion in infrastructure and facilities needs, that existing funding sources are inadequate, and that the City projects General Fund deficits of $31 million in fiscal 2027 and $29 million in fiscal 2028.

The resolution ties the bonds to the City's Vision 2050 Framework for rebuilding and repairing infrastructure, including fire stations, emergency response facilities and parks; general obligation bonds require two-thirds voter approval.

Put on the ballot by Berkeley City Council, June 16, 2026 (Resolution No. 72,338-N.S.; no votes against).

From official source.

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Alameda County ballots

• City of Alameda Measure L — GO Bond Measure
• City of Alameda Measure M — Charter Amendment - Amend And Repeal Outdated Provisions
• City of Alameda Measure N — Charter Amendment - Leases And Sales Of Real Property Measure
• City of Albany Measure O — Requirement To Zoning Changes Measure
• City of Albany Measure P — Street Paving And Storm Drain Parcel Tax Measure
• City of Albany Measure Q — EMS, ALS, Fire Protection Parcel Tax Measure
• City of Albany Measure R — Business License Tax Measure
• City of Albany Measure S — Real Property Transfer Tax Measure
• City of Albany Measure T — Street Trees & Streetlighting Parcel Tax Measure
• City of Berkeley Measure V — Sales Tax Measure
• City of Berkeley Measure W — Charter Amendment Measure
• City of Berkeley Measure X — Rent Ordinance Amendment Measure
• City of Berkeley Measure Y — Initiative - Arts Tax Measure
• City of Berkeley Measure Z — Initiative - Public Bank Measure
• City of Berkeley Measure AA — Initiative - Soda Tax Measure
• City of Emeryville Measure BB — Business Tax Measure

All Alameda County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on City of Berkeley Measure U mean?

Berkeley could issue $300,000,000 in bonds for fire stations, emergency facilities, parks and other public infrastructure, costing property owners about $22.14 per $100,000 of assessed value a year on average over about 40 years.

What does a NO vote on City of Berkeley Measure U mean?

Berkeley would not issue these $300,000,000 in bonds, and the related property tax would not be levied.

How many votes does City of Berkeley Measure U need to pass?

A two-thirds supermajority: at least 2 out of every 3 YES and NO votes must be YES, so a measure can get a majority and still fail.

Should I vote yes or no on City of Berkeley Measure U?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.