Fresno County transportation measure nears November ballot

Supporters submit over 32,000 signatures to get 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' measure on the ballot

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A stylized, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a bustling Fresno County street scene with cars, buses, pedestrians, and construction workers repairing roads and sidewalks, representing the proposed transportation improvements in the region.A conceptual illustration of the proposed transportation improvements in Fresno County, which aim to repair roads, upgrade public transit, and enhance pedestrian safety across the region.Fresno Today

A proposed measure to improve roads and public transportation in Fresno County has taken a major step forward, with supporters submitting over 32,000 signatures to get the 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' measure on the November ballot. The measure would replace the existing Measure C and generate an estimated $7.4 billion over 30 years through a half-cent sales tax to fund road repairs, sidewalk improvements, and public transit upgrades.

Why it matters

The 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' measure is seen as a critical investment in Fresno County's transportation infrastructure, which has faced longstanding challenges with aging roads and limited public transit options. Passing the measure could lead to safer streets, faster commute times, and better access to public transportation for residents.

The details

The 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' measure would allocate 65% of funds to road repair, 25% to public transit, 4% to public transit innovation, 4% to regional projects, and 1% to administration. It is projected to generate $7.4 billion over 30 years through a half-cent sales tax. The measure will not raise taxes, but rather replace the existing Measure C. If passed, the city of Fresno is expected to receive $75 million per year to fix local roads and upgrade bus shelters and stops.

  • The signatures were submitted to the Fresno County Elections Office on April 14, 2026.
  • The 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' measure will appear on the November 2026 ballot.

The players

Better Roads, Safer Streets coalition

A group of community leaders and volunteers who collected over 32,000 signatures to get the transportation measure on the Fresno County ballot.

Veronica Garibay

The executive director of the Leadership Council, who said the signatures were collected in less than a month and a half.

Jerry Dyer

The mayor of Fresno, who supports the 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' proposal and called it a 'game changer' for the county.

Fix Our Roads initiative

A competing 20-year, $3.9 billion proposal designed by Fresno County Transportation Authority Director and California High Speed Rail Authority board member Henry Perea, which is still in the signature-gathering phase.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If this measure passes and voters approve it in November it will do a lot of good in the community. It will repair our local streets and roads in our neighborhoods.”

— Veronica Garibay, Executive Director, Leadership Council

“It allows not only to fix our roads, but to fix our sidewalks and fix our worst streets first and fix them immediately.”

— Jerry Dyer, Mayor, City of Fresno

What’s next

The 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' measure will appear on the November 2026 ballot, where Fresno County voters will decide whether to approve the transportation funding initiative.

The takeaway

The 'Better Roads, Safer Streets' measure represents a significant opportunity for Fresno County to address longstanding transportation challenges and invest in critical infrastructure that could improve road safety, public transit, and overall quality of life for residents. The measure's passage would provide a reliable funding source for these improvements over the next 30 years.