Sonoma County Ballot Initiatives 2026
I’m inclined to vote yes on all of them
Measure AB
$830,000,000 in bonds to support Santa Rosa Junior College
Financed by local property taxes -- at a rate of $25 per $100,000 of assessed value to repay the bonds.
55% supermajority required
Arguments in favor:
“Measure AB will modernize nursing labs, classrooms, career-training facilities, and equipment; improve earthquake and fire safety; and upgrade technology, so that the people we depend on every day can learn with the tools and facilities used in today’s workplaces. …..
Measure AB will not increase your property tax bill, because Measure AB does not raise tax rates. Instead, it replaces expiring bonds, maintaining or lowering the current SRJC bond tax rate.”
I’m voting yes as we need to preserve, strengthen, and build a strong Community College system serving the three counties.
Measure H
This would extend 1/8th cent sales tax to fund public parks in Sonoma County. It raises $15.5 million annually. It requires a 2/3rds super majority vote as it is a special tax submitted by the local governing body.
Arguments in favor:
“Yes on H continues the dedicated local funding that reduces our wildfire risk by managing the vegetation and natural features that slow the spread of wildfire near our communities. It protects clean water in Sonoma County’s rivers, streams, and watersheds; and maintains and improves our existing park’s trails, restrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Measure H protects wildlife habitat and natural areas for future generations and keeps our regional parks safe, accessible, and well-maintained for everyone.”
There were no listed arguments in opposition.
The estimated spending based on past years is as follows:
Program Category Allocation Percentage. Estimated Revenue
Incorporated Cities: 33.3% $5.7 million
Local Parks and
Recreation Needs
(Allocation to each City based on Population Share)
Sonoma County Regional
Parks Programs:
Maintenance, Safety, 25% $4.3 million
and Recreation Services
Public Access 23.4% $4.0 million
& Trail Infrastructure
Natural Resources 18.3% $3.1 million
& Fire Safety
Total Estimated Net Annual Sales Tax $17.1 million
I’m voting yes because the county has excellent parks; we use them a lot and value them greatly and would love to see more.
Measure G
This would extend for 8 years a parcel tax of $79 per parcel. It raises $1,950,000 annually for West Sonoma County Union High School District. It requires a 2/3rds majority vote, as it is a special tax submitted by the local governing body. There is an exemption available for those over 65 who submit an exemption request to the district.
Arguments in favor:
“If passed, Measure G will fund programs to improve education without increasing the current parcel tax rate by: expanding and supporting music, art, and dance programs; maintaining small class sizes; improving career technical education programs; and retain quality teachers and staff.”
There is no listed opposition.
From a trusted and knowledgeable friend: “this parcel tax is critically important. The El Molino campus puts a real strain on the district’s finances.”
I’m voting yes, so we will have strong, capable, well educated, local graduates as we age and pass on to the next generations.
Measure M
This would enact a $75 per year parcel tax for 4 years to fund educational improvements at the Harmony Union School District. This would include a comprehensive farm to table program, student mental health and academic intervention services. It would raise about $177,600 annually.
It requires a 2/3rds majority vote, as it is a special tax submitted by the local governing body. There is an exemption available for those over 65 who submit an exemption request to the district.
Arguments in favor:
“If passed, Measure M will provide dedicated funding exclusively for Harmony and Salmon Creek Schools, including: the Garden Enrichment Program, a comprehensive farm-to-table interactive education program integrated with the District’s food service program that provides fresh produce from the garden directly to student lunches; student mental health services; and academic intervention services for reading and math. These funds may not be used for any other purpose.”
There were no opposition arguments.
It requires a 2/3rds majority vote, as it is a special tax submitted by the local governing body. There is an exemption available for those over 65 who submit an exemption request to the district.
I’m voting yes because I hear from our friends and neighbors that the little neighborhood school down the road badly needs better education resources to help educate our own community’s youngest students.