Thank you to each resident who participated in one of our Measure N Community Engagement Meetings, whether you joined us in-person, submitted questions by email, or texted in. Each meeting this month sparked a robust discussion and brought valuable insights from the community. You can watch the full recording of the October 29th meeting here and the individual presentation slides below. We’ve also posted the two informational mailers sent to Upland residents. Scroll down to explore these resources for a complete view of Measure N and how it could impact our community.

In June of 2023, the City Council approved the creation of a pavement master plan using one-time ARPA funding for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing street repairs and other asphalt maintenance using empirical evidence. The following May 2024 DRAFT Pavement Management Report is based on surveys of every street, parking lot, and alley in the city. The final report is anticipated to be complete in 2024.

What this DRAFT report shows us:

• Currently, Upland’s average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is 61 – on the lower half of the Fair category requiring Critical rehabilitation options. (Found on page 11). 
• Over the next 5 years, the PCI for our streets will decline to Poor – a rating of 52, using only dedicated revenue sources (Gas Tax, Measure I, and RMRA funds). (Found on page 8). 
• Maintaining the current PCI level of Fair would require doubling the annual funding to $15.40 million a year. (Found on page 8).
• To achieve a PCI of 70, which would get our roads to the cusp of the Satisfactory level, would require annual funding of $24.878 million per year. (Found on page 8).
• Our alleys have a PCI rating of 50 (Poor), with a cost of $1.859 million needed annually for 5 years to improve them to a rating of 70. (Found on page 8).
• Our parking lots have a PCI rating of 39 (Very Poor) with a cost of $1.258 million needed annually for 5 years to improve them to a rating of 70. (Found on page 8).

What is Measure N? Measure N, “City of Upland 1% Sales Tax for General City Services” is a proposed 1-cent sales tax. If approved by a majority of voters, Measure N would generate approximately $20,000,000 annually. This revenue would stay in Upland for use in Upland.

Can the State or County take Measure N revenue? Measure N is only for use in the City of Upland, which means neither the State of California nor San Bernardino County can take or use any of the proceeds. Every cent must be spent within the City of Upland and cannot be taken outside of the city.

How will the Measure N revenue be spent? City Council priorities for spending revenues from Measure N include:

• Maintaining Infrastructure
• Repaving Major Roads
• Repaving Neighborhood Streets
• Repairing Potholes
• Repairing and Replacing Sidewalks
• Improving 9-1-1 Emergency Response
• Increasing Neighborhood Police Patrols
• Gang and Crime Prevention Programs
• Reducing Homelessness

Will there be any oversight of Measure N funds? The City of Upland has implemented a series of reforms that give the public increased transparency to evaluate and inspect all revenues, expenditures, and staffing including the creation of a public Citizen’s Oversight Committee made up of Upland residents. Additionally, Measure N revenue is subject to required disclosure and external audits. Furthermore, all city revenues and expenditures are now available for public view at any time by visiting the city’s Financial Transparency website by clicking HERE or at:
www.uplandca.gov/financial-transparency.

How much sales tax are we paying now and where does it go? The current sales tax in the City of Upland is the minimum 7.75%. Of that 7.75%, Upland receives just 1%, with the rest going to County and the State governments. 

Would Measure N apply to all purchases? No. Measure N does not apply to essentials like groceries, medical care or devices, prescription medications, or utilities like gas, electricity, or water. For more information, visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration by visiting https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/pub61.pdf or clicking HERE.

How much will Measure N cost me? Measure N will cost everyone who shops in Upland (including non-residents and businesses) different amounts depending on how much someone spends on goods not listed above. For example, if you purchase a beverage for $5.00, the Measure N sales tax would be one nickel ($.05). If you spent $100.00 on clothing, appliances, or home repair materials, the additional cost would be one dollar ($1.00).

What are the sales tax rates in surrounding cities? 

How did Measure N get on the ballot? Measure N was placed on the ballot by the Upland City Council with the current ballot language unanimously approved by City Council.

How many votes are needed for Measure N to pass? Measure N requires a majority of Upland voters to pass.

What is the ballot question for Measure N?  “Shall the measure establishing a one-percent retail transactions and use (sales) tax, generating approximately $20,000,000 annually, until ended by voters, for general city services, such as the improvement and maintenance of infrastructure and provision of public safety services, be adopted?”

What does “improvement and maintenance of infrastructure and provision of public safety services” mean? Improving and maintaining infrastructure refers to major roads, neighborhood streets, sidewalks and alleys, etc. Provision of public safety services means funding for services such as 9-1-1 emergency response, neighborhood police patrols, gang and crime prevention programs, and addressing homelessness.

Where can I get more information on Measure N and on voting? You may contact the City of Upland City Clerk’s for updated information on Measure N and to find information on ballots, mail-in, and in-person voting. City Clerk’s Office: 460 N. Euclid Avenue, Upland, CA 91786, (909) 931-4100. Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., www.uplandca.gov/elections 

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many Upland residents over the last few years, asking people what their priorities are, and working on ways to bring those priorities to life. One question I’ve heard several times is “How much of my Upland property taxes go to City services?” It’s a great question and the information can be difficult to find. As you can see in the graphic, the majority of the funding goes to the State & County. For more information about San Bernardino County property taxes, check out the County website at https://www.mytaxcollector.com

The City Council approved the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Investment Plan at the regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2021. You may view the PowerPoint presentation below. You may also view the staff report and PowerPoint presentation within the October 11, 2021 City Council packet here.