Measure Q tax measure endorsed by police union
Santa Rosa
Summary
The council is asking voters in November to double the existing Measure Q half-cent sales tax to a full cent, raising about $46 million a year. Without it, the city says it will cut roughly 42 positions, close fire stations, eliminate police violent crime teams, and reduce street and park maintenance starting in summer 2027.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 4, 2026.
Impact analysis
Would generate about $46 million annually — roughly $23 million more than the current half-cent tax.
Everyone who relies on city fire, police, street and park services — which is to say, everyone in Santa Rosa.
Shoppers and residents who would pay an additional half-cent on taxable purchases; low-income households feel sales taxes most.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council — August 4, 2026
The Santa Rosa Police Officers Association publicly endorsed the Measure Q tax measure on the November 2026 ballot, citing the city's spending cuts over the past two years and saying there's no alternative to asking voters for more revenue.
City Council — July 28, 2026
The council is asking voters in November to double the existing Measure Q half-cent sales tax to a full cent, raising about $46 million a year. Without it, the city says it will cut roughly 42 positions, close fire stations, eliminate police violent crime teams, and reduce street and park maintenance starting in summer 2027.
City Council — July 14, 2026
Santa Rosa faces a projected $14.5 million deficit next fiscal year, growing to $23.3 million when Measure Q's half-cent sales tax sunsets in 2031. Staff propose reauthorizing it at a full penny with no sunset, worth about $47 million a year, to avoid cutting police, fire, parks and street maintenance. The council signaled unanimous support for bringing ballot language back, likely for the November 2026 ballot.
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