Commentary: Measure C can be improved. Fresno County voters should mark no for now

The future of Fresno County is on the ballot this November as we consider whether to extend Measure C, our local transportation measure. At the Central Valley Community Foundation, we urge voters to take a “No, not yet” approach to allow local officials and the broader community more time to ensure this crucial measure meets the needs of residents over the next 30 years. We make this recommendation for three reasons.

First, when it is time to renew Measure C, we must prioritize transportation infrastructure needed for economic development, community revitalization and climate resiliency. The proposed measure doesn’t go far enough to prioritize these three vital areas.

Fresno County is home to world-class agricultural resources, natural amenities, and a young and diverse population that is growing faster than the rest of California. Our communities are full of promise. However, Fresno County also suffers from chronically high levels of unemployment, low wages, disinvested neighborhoods and communities, air quality burdens, and extreme heat. These challenges will only worsen over the next 30 years without strategic, creative and aggressive action by all of us — those in the public, private and civic sectors.

Proponents of the measure are quick to remind voters that Measure C is “just a road tax,” which serves to lower our expectations for the future we can envision and create together. We understand Measure C is a transportation tax, but we also understand the power of transportation infrastructure to drive economic development, neighborhood quality and climate resiliency. Before we commit to a $7 billion, 30-year transportation investment plan, we should be confident we’ve prioritized projects that address Fresno County’s longstanding economic, neighborhood and climate challenges. Measure C is about all our shared future, not “just” fixing potholes.

Second, developing a 30-year vision and expenditure plan represents an ideal opportunity to build community, engage new voices, be thoughtful and inclusive, and seek to respond to the needs of all residents in Fresno County, particularly those representing disinvested neighborhoods — both rural and urban. We know that no public process is perfect, but the process of rushing to the ballot with this proposed measure has done little to build the vision and cohesion we’re going to need in Fresno County across all community groups if we are to change our current conditions. We can and should craft a communitywide, inclusive measure for all Fresno County residents.

Third, Measure C expires in 2026. It is irresponsible to adopt a new measure four years in advance of that time. Much can change in even the next few years while we work to build consensus on the future of Fresno County and create a corresponding expenditure plan. With the expiration of our current tax measure still years away, we have the time. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less than the best possible measure that supports a vibrant and sustainable future for Fresno County.

Prior transportation measures have had a great impact on our county, and we appreciate all the efforts leading up to today. We’re especially grateful for local leaders who have been hard at work initiating the renewal process and generating a first draft. It has not been easy to get to this point, and we applaud those efforts. However, a better Measure C has huge potential to positively shape Fresno County’s future. Given our challenges, we must take the time to get our largest local spending measure right.

We have an opportunity for all the voices of a healthy and vibrant county to come together — from business to community interests, from climate to neighborhood interests, from city to agricultural residents. The Central Valley Community Foundation looks forward to being enthusiastic supporters of Measure C’s renewal when the time is right, the plan prioritizes investments that address long-standing challenges in our county, and the drafting process builds the community cohesion that will serve future generations of Fresno County residents.