FAQs

• What is Measure O?
• Why has the City of East Palo Alto placed Measure O on the ballot?
• What would funds raised by Measure O go towards?
• What is the actual question that voters will be asked to decide in November?
• How are City facility improvements funded?
• Isn’t there a facilities budget for ongoing facility maintenance?
• Are City Facilities really that old?
• Will Measure O keep our drinking water safe?
• How much will Measure O cost?
• What is a City bond measure and what can it pay for?
• When will the work begin?
• How can we be assured that Measure O would be spent properly?
• Will businesses share in the cost of Measure O?
• Who is eligible to vote on Measure O?
• Who makes the final decision on a local bond?
• How do I vote by mail?

What is Measure O?

Measure O is a local facilities bond measure benefitting the East Palo Alto community on the November 3, 2026 Ballot, seeking voter authorization for locally-controlled funding to complete greatly needed city infrastructure and facility repairs, a new library with modern technology, and new community spaces for that will contribute to a higher quality of life for city residents. Measure O requires 67% support to pass.

Why has the City of East Palo Alto placed Measure O on the ballot?

Our City of East Palo Alto is in dire need of capital upgrades. Water pipes that distribute drinking water need to be upgraded to keep pollution out and keep our drinking water clean. Our East Palo Alto Library is more than 40 years old, and limited space means literacy and children's programs have waitlists. Compared to our neighboring cities, we lack a sufficient number of safe and clean public places for families and residents of all generations to gather and play. We need more community centers, and we don't have our own police station.  If we don’t want to have to rely on the State or County to help provide essential city services, we need our own facilities. Not only does the City need these things; OUR East Palo Alto residents, children, youth, and families deserve them. East Palo Alto needs Measure O. Please VOTE YES.

What would funds raised by Measure O go towards?

Measure O Project Priorities:

What is the actual question that voters will be asked to decide in November?

“East Palo Alto Community/Water/Public Safety Infrastructure Measure. Shall the measure constructing a Library, Emergency Command Center, civic center, youth sports park; replacing deteriorating water pipes to provide safe/clean drinking water; repairing storm drains to prevent flooding; addressing earthquake safety, by authorizing East Palo Alto to issue $125,000,000 in general obligation bonds, with annual levies averaging $105.26 per $100,000 of assessed value (raising approximately $8,940,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with independent audits/ public disclosure, be adopted?”

How are City facility improvements funded?

With limited resources, East Palo Alto staff continually work hard to maintain our city facilities and services, and keep them in good working condition for the residents that use and rely on them. However, the reality is that the types of repairs, renovations and upgrades we need go far beyond the scope and means of existing budgets. Passing a local bond is one of the most direct ways California communities can fund the upgrades we need.

Isn’t there a facilities budget for ongoing facility maintenance?

City staff continues to invest and work hard to maintain our facilities, and keep them in good working condition with limited resources. However, the reality is that the types of repairs and upgrades that our current needs assessment has identified go beyond the scope and means of regular City maintenance budgets.

Are City Facilities really that old?

Yes. The East Palo Alto Library is over 40 years old, and is a single room in our City Offices building; it is undersized for our community, and is overcrowded. Current police facilities are not earthquake safe, meaning officers could be buried under rubble when we need them most. Additionally, City buildings, including the library and police facility, have leaky roofs and faulty heating and cooling systems. There’s a direct relationship between quality facilities, and quality city services. Quality facilities will help attract and retain qualified police officers and other city employees.

Will Measure O keep our drinking water safe?

YES. $35 million of this bond is dedicated to replacing the deteriorating pipes that distribute our drinking water and repairing aging storm drains to prevent flooding on city streets and contamination. Measure O will help ensure safe and clean drinking water for East Palo Alto residents.

How much will Measure O cost?

If approved by voters, a $125,000,000 bond translates to about 11¢ per year for every $100 of assessed valuation. The assessed valuation refers to taxable value, not the market value of your home. An East Palo Alto homeowner will pay about  $105.26 per $100,000 of assessed value per year.

What is a City bond measure and what can it pay for?

A bond measure can ONLY be used to fund city facility and technology improvements (capital projects - not maintenance or regular repairs). City bond funds are prohibited to be used for operations, employee salaries or pensions. No revenue generated by a local bond can be taken away by the State.

When will the work begin?

If approved by voters, the City will immediately focus on the most critical facilities needed across the city. A schedule for funding projects will be developed so they can be completed on time and based on necessity.

How can we be assured that Measure O would be spent properly?

Measure O is fiscally accountable, and includes tough accountability provisions. If approved by voters, Measure O would REQUIRE citizens oversight, public disclosure, and annual independent audits to ensure the funds are spent as promised. None of the money from Measure O can be used to increase salaries, benefits, or pensions for any city employees.

Will businesses share in the cost of Measure O?

Yes, commercial, industrial, and residential property owners will be subject to the Measure O levy.

Who is eligible to vote on Measure O?

All registered voters living in East Palo Alto are eligible to vote on Measure O on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Who makes the final decision on a local bond?

The locally elected City Council of East Palo Alto is the legal entity that can place a bond on the ballot. Ultimately, East Palo Alto REGISTERED VOTERS will have the final say when they cast their ballots on Measure O in the November 3rd Election.

How do I vote by mail?

All registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. If you need to register to vote, you can register online at registertovote.ca.gov. If you need additional assistance or would like to drop off your ballot in person at a polling place or drop box, please visit smcacre.gov/elections for more information.

Have a question you don’t see here?

For more information, please contact the Campaign at [email protected].