San Diego Measure B would raise sales tax to 8.25% for various county services

If a countywide sales-tax hike passes in November, it will increase sales taxes on most purchases from a current rate of 7.75% throughout much of San Diego County to 8.25%.

The ballot measure was spearheaded by the Service Employees International Union Local 221, child care advocacy group Children First San Diego, and Cal Fire Local 2881. Additional supporters include the San Diego Foundation, the Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and the Surfrider Foundation.

How Measure B Funds Health Care and Child Care

Up to 60 percent of the annual revenue—estimated between $240 million and $270 million—would target health care, nutrition, and food security programs facing cuts under federal reforms. The measure directs 17 percent of funds to health services for uninsured or underinsured low-income residents, 7 percent to food assistance, 5 percent to in-home health services for medically vulnerable seniors, and 9 percent to other affordable health services.

Child care and development causes could receive up to 22 percent of the funds, amounting to as much as $99 million annually.

Public Safety and Tijuana River Sewage Allocations

Public safety causes are slated to receive up to 17.5 percent of the funds, totaling up to $79 million annually. At least 8 percent of this money would help the county fire prevention district hire firefighters and paramedics, upgrade equipment, and reduce response times, while another 8 percent would support sheriff’s deputies and regional 911 systems.

The measure also allocates up to 22.5 percent—roughly $90 million to $100 million annually—to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis through infrastructure and engineering projects.

Critics Debate Lack of Sunset Clause in Measure B

Because Measure B lacks a sunset clause, collections will continue indefinitely. Measure B campaign manager Alex Wilcox defended the permanent revenue stream in an email, stating that a sunset clause would be counterproductive for long-term crises like wildfire prevention and the Tijuana sewage emergency.

Mark Kersey of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association argued against the measure at a Politifest debate, contending that sunset clauses ensure accountability by forcing supporters to return to voters for authorization. Kersey also questioned whether the spending priorities locked into the measure reflect what residents want over the long term.

The priorities that they’ve locked in right now, those spending priorities will be the priorities in perpetuity.Mark Kersey

A 12-member citizen oversight committee would conduct annual spending and compliance audits. Kersey criticized this structure, arguing that the committee focuses on spending compliance rather than results and should not include representatives from organizations that receive funding.

Labor Unions May Seek Pay Increases If Tax Passes

Employees in two county labor unions could seek pay increases if the sales tax passes. SEIU Local 221 and Teamsters Local 986 included clauses in their recent labor contracts to reopen pay negotiations if voters approve a measure generating revenue for the county’s general fund in 2026.

SEIU President Crystal Irving defended the contract language in a statement, citing extreme staffing shortages among nurses, mental health professionals, and first responders. The measure itself explicitly prohibits funding salary increases or bonuses for county managers, executives, and elected officials.

Voters will decide the outcome of Measure B in the November 2026 election.