Joint Special Council/BFPD
03/17/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Resolution
Doc ID: 6339
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 5279-2026, APPROVING THE MEASURE I
CONTINUATION EXPENDITURE PLAN DEVELOPED BY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is seeking approval from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and a majority of the cities representing a majority of the incorporated population to approve the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan. The proposed continuation of Measure I is anticipated to be placed before voters on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Measure I is an existing one-half of one percent transportation sales tax originally approved by voters in 1989 and renewed in 2004. The tax currently funds transportation improvements throughout San Bernardino County and is scheduled to expire on April 1, 2040.
The proposed continuation would not create a new tax, but would extend the existing sales tax beyond 2040 to continue funding transportation infrastructure and mobility improvements throughout the county.
Staff is requesting City Council consideration of a resolution approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan.
DISCUSSION:
Measure I has historically funded transportation improvements throughout San Bernardino County, including freeways, local streets and roads, interchanges, public transit services, traffic signal improvements, and commuter rail systems such as Metrolink.
Within the City of Barstow, Measure I funding has contributed to several important transportation projects that support mobility, infrastructure improvements, and roadway maintenance. Examples include:
First Avenue Bridge over BNSF Railway
First Avenue Bridge over the Mojave River
Rimrock Road / Agarita Avenue Rehabilitation Project (anticipated in Fiscal Year 2026) Ongoing support for the City’s Pavement Management Program, which helps maintain and improve local streets.
These projects demonstrate the direct benefit that Measure I funding provides to the Barstow community by improving transportation infrastructure and maintaining the City’s roadway network.
The proposed continuation of Measure I is estimated to generate approximately $7.5 billion in transportation funding during the first 30 years, which would be invested in projects and programs across the San Bernardino County.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
03/17/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Resolution
Doc ID: 6339
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Under the proposed expenditure plan, funds would be allocated to a variety of transportation priorities including:
Local roadway maintenance and improvements
Regional mobility and congestion relief projects
Transit services and transportation operations
Active transportation projects such as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure For communities in the Mountain/Desert subarea, which includes the City of Barstow, the expenditure plan allocates funding as follows:
70% Local Mobility - local roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, and street improvements 20% Regional Mobility - major roadway and corridor improvements 10% Operations - transit and mobility services
Local Mobility funds would be distributed directly to jurisdictions based on population and may be used for street rehabilitation, pothole repair, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, grade separations, and related improvements. Jurisdictions are required to adopt an annually updated Five-Year Plan to receive these funds, and five percent (5%) must initially be reserved for active transportation projects.
Regional Mobility funds support major regional projects such as freeway and interchange improvements, rail capital and rehabilitation, congestion management, and related system enhancements. Project expenditures are determined by the SBCTA Board based on recommendations from local representatives.
Operations funds support transit and mobility services, including bus and rail operations, senior and specialized transportation services, rideshare programs, and first/last mile connections. Additionally, three percent (3%) of total countywide revenue is reserved for Interregional Mobility projects, which address key corridors, goods movement, and emergency and disaster response infrastructure.
The Expenditure Plan includes accountability measures such as return-to-source provisions, annual local audits, biennial SBCTA audits, and continued oversight by an Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee.
Pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 180206, the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan must be approved by the County Board of Supervisors and a majority of the cities representing a majority of the incorporated population in order to place the measure before voters. Participating jurisdictions are being asked to consider the proposed resolution in advance of the deadlines necessary to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot.
Adoption of the proposed resolution would indicate the City of Barstow’s approval of the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Joint Special Council/BFPD
03/17/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Resolution
Doc ID: 6339
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adopting the proposed resolution. Approval of the resolution simply indicates the City’s support for the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan.
If approved by voters, the continuation of Measure I would provide long-term funding for transportation improvements that benefit communities throughout San Bernardino County, including the Mountain/Desert region.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 5278-2026, approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan developed by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.