Frequently Asked Questions

Over the past three decades, the state has taken over $500 million in revenue from Humboldt County’s budget. This year, the state is facing a $46 billion deficit this year, and the Governor’s budget cut additional millions in funding cuts in Humboldt County that will severely reduce local services.

A recent study found that we have some of the worst pavement conditions in the state – with more than 50% of county roads rated “poor” or “failed.” At current levels of funding, most county roads will be rated as “failed” by 2033 – including letting some turn back into gravel. 

Humboldt County has $500 million in need for road repairs over the next 10 years. Delaying maintenance and repairs to our roads only increases costs in the long run – letting conditions worsen until roads have to be replaced entirely. We need to repair and maintain roads while construction costs are more affordable.

Currently, nearly half of the counties in California, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, have passed transportation measures that give them access to billions in matching funds from the state and federal government that Humboldt County can’t currently access. 

Measure O is Humboldt County’s local, Roads/9-1-1 Emergency Response Measure. This measure will help us clear the backlog of repair projects and keep our roads safe and well-maintained going forward.

Yes. Measure O will provide Humboldt County with the necessary 20% of funds needed in order to qualify for an 80% match from the state/federal government to fix our local county roads. $1,000,000 of county funds will help us qualify for an additional $4,000,0000 in state/federal funding that would be spent just in Humboldt County, creating more local jobs while fixing and repairing our roads. 

Measure O provides additional funding to help the county provide bus services in the event of an emergency or natural disaster so that those without cars can safely evacuate, maintain bus services for seniors, people with disabilities and people with low incomes, and continue to provide public bus services and safe routes for children getting to school.

Measure O is a 1-cent sales tax Measure that will help raise an additional $24,000,000 a year just for Humboldt County.  All funds raised by this measure are legally required to stay in Humboldt County, providing our area with a guaranteed source of local funding that cannot be taken by the state. Measure O includes the following:

• Oversight by a panel that includes traffic engineers and public transit advocates
• Additional oversight by the Audit Committee
• Measure O requires public disclosure of all spending

November 5, 2024. Ballots will be mailed out one month in advance. Visit humboldtgov.org/elections to register to vote or check your voter registration status.

For more information, please visit humboldtgov.org/roads911.