Measure M began in the shadow of the Great Recession, when many California cities were still digging out from revenue declines and service reductions.

In November 2012, Vacaville voters approved a quarter-cent transactions and use (sales) tax for five years—explicitly framed to protect essential City services from further reductions.

The ballot language didn’t speak in abstractions; it named real, “close to home” priorities: police programs to address domestic violence, child/elder abuse, gang activity and neighborhood crime; fire/paramedic services for quick emergency response times; and street lighting for safety—along with other services, with the key promise that all funds stay locally with the City of Vacaville.

Voters backed Measure M decisively—about 70% “yes” in the 2012 election—suggesting that, in that moment, the community preferred a modest local revenue-generating tool over continued cuts and uncertainty.

The most telling thing about Measure M is what happened next: Vacaville residents renewed and expanded the tax.

In November 2016, 63.29% of voters supported a 20-year extension and an additional half-cent, bringing the total Measure M rate to three-quarters of a cent. The new tax rate of 8.125% went into effect on April 1, 2018. The City began to receive revenues in the last quarter of fiscal year 2017–2018. Each year, the City Council approves the Measure M budget as part of the annual budget process.

The 2016 Measure M description again emphasized real-world services; a general tax used for municipal purposes such as police and fire protection, gang suppression, ambulance service, street repair, park maintenance, recreation programs, and a range of community facilities that residents interact with each and every day.

In other words, the renewal wasn’t just “keep a tax.” It was voters saying, this has become part of how Vacaville works—and we want to keep the city functioning at a level we recognize as Vacaville.

Measure M:

• Supports 29 full-time positions, including 13 in the Police Department, 7 in the Fire Department, and staff for Parks & Recreation and Public Works. That’s not an abstract benefit—these are people who answer calls, staff stations, maintain facilities, and keep systems operating effectively.
• Beyond staffing, it funded park improvement projects in every district, vehicle and equipment replacement, homeless encampment remediation, a Fire Apprentice program, downtown alley reconstruction, and Ulatis Creek repairs—plus limited pilot programs like a Council District Benefit program, Youth Scholarships, and Neighborhood Cleanup.
• On the fire/medical side, Measure M resources (via a grant match pool) supported paramedic training efforts—helping expand the City’s paramedic capacity.

The simplest way to summarize these examples is this: Measure M has helped Vacaville avoid service reductions while also fixing and improving the everyday commons—parks, infrastructure, equipment, and emergency readiness.

These funds are instrumental in how the City enhances the quality of life for our residents.

Quality of life is the cumulative effect of hundreds of “small” actions that result in:

• Safer neighborhoods because police programs, staffing, and response capacity are protected from budget swings.
• Reliable emergency response because fire/paramedic services have stable funding and the City can invest in people and training. 
• A city that looks cared for—street lighting, maintained corridors, repaired creeks and alleys, and kept-up parks.
• Community confidence that local dollars stay local and support local priorities—one reason local revenue measures can become part of a city’s established fiscal framework over time.

The City directs funds toward programs and projects aligned with the City’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan (an update to the plan is currently underway). The five Strategic Plan Goals are:

• Ensure Public Safety
• Strengthen the Local Economy
• Protect Vacaville’s Quality of Life
• Maintain Effective and Efficient City Services
• Promote Community Engagement and Increased Equity and Inclusion

• Additional homeless services (Shelter Solano beds, outreach services, ServPro remediation and temporary assistance in the form of hotel beds)
• Increased connections between the Police Department youth through converting a Police Activities League (PAL) Program Coordinator from part time to full time along with program supplies
• Additional program needs and software for the Family Resource Center. 
• Funds to implement the Downtown Specific Plan. The plan will provide a framework for creating and maintaining a vibrant and healthy downtown.

Six programs are included in the Measure M budget.

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion.  This comprehensive program will involve City staff and leadership, the Police Department, City Council, the community, and collaboration with the school district. *
• Property abatement opportunities for property owners. *
• Neighborhood cleanup efforts to keep our community safe, enjoyable and clean.
• Youth scholarships for low-income families.
• Grant matching pool, so the City is prepared to apply for competitive funding opportunities. *
• Council District Benefit Program.  Each district and one at-large (Mayoral) received $50,000 (per fiscal year) to use for a project or service that benefits the community.  Allowable uses would include park or facility improvements, and community programs or services. *

*Council District Benefit Program Expenditures by District

* To implement cost-saving measures, the City has scaled back these pilot programs while operating at a deficit.

The Parks Beautification Program provides a steady source of revenue for deferred projects such as trails, playgrounds, trees and plants. Under this program there are multiple park improvement projects happening around the City at any given time.

Eight park projects are included in the Measure M budget. Most of these parks have an estimated completion date within two years.  Based on the newly adopted Park and Recreation Master Plan, one park in each district is slated for improvements. Improvements may include new shade structures, additional seating, updated play equipment, and improved walking paths.  Funds to complete Phase I of the Play4All Park and light two ball fields, one at Centennial and one at Arlington Parks are also included.

We are excited to put Measure M to work for you, our community. And, we’re committed to regularly sharing how and where we are spending these funds. Vacaville is truly a great place to live, work and recreate. This is largely due to our great community members.  The City takes great pride in serving Vacaville and we believe in good stewardship and transparency of City finances.  Please check back for updates on Measure M projects and programs – past, present, and future.

Review Current Measure M Projects for additional information. 

Police and Fire/Paramedic Personnel support Public Safety.

Administrative Staff supervise projects, manage budgets, and report on expenditures.

The Street Task Force, funded by Measure M, was created to provide additional funding to catch up from the great recession and restore streets to a higher Pavement Condition Index (PCI). 

This is an ongoing multi-year project, funded in part by Measure M and part by the General Fund. View additional information on current street associated projects and completed projects.

• Strategic Plan Goal: 3 - Promote Community Viability
• Public Works Department - Maintenance Division