Measure BB passed in the 2014 Election. With 70.76% of Alameda County voters approving the measure, it passed the 2/3 threshold required of revenue-generating items.
In January of 2014, the governing body of the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) approved the 2014 Alameda County Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP), which includes a set of transportation projects and programs that would receive funding if voters approve Measure BB, a transportation sales tax measure that will appear on the November 4, 2014 ballot.
Alameda CTC currently collects a 0.5% sales tax that is due to expire in 2022. Measure BB would extend the existing tax until 2045 and increase the tax to a total of 1%. Under the TEP, Alameda CTC would use the additional tax revenue to support transportation projects and programs throughout Alameda County. This revenue, some of which will go to Oakland, would fund two broad categories of work over 30 years: 1) Capital projects with specific dollar amounts, including everything from expanding BART to improving pedestrian corridors; and 2) Operations and maintenance investments, such as reinstating canceled bus service and maintaining streets. Former Oakland Army Base infrastructure upgrades, including roadway and truck route improvements, also could receive support.
Supporters say the tax increase is needed for a long list of transportation projects and programs.
Opponents say the existing tax is sufficient for current needs and should not be extended and increased eight years early.