FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Anyone who drives through Fresno has likely experienced it, potholes, cracks and uneven pavement that can turn a routine commute into a bumpy ride.
Now, a proposed ballot measure backed by Fresno city leaders aims to address decades of road deterioration without increasing taxes.
The proposal, known as “Better Roads, Safe Streets,” would continue an existing half-cent sales tax currently collected through Measure C but redirect how some of that money is spent across Fresno County.
Supporters say the change would provide a major boost to road repair projects that have fallen behind for years.
“This measure is simply putting local road tax dollars to fix local roads,” Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias said.
For many residents, road conditions remain a daily frustration.
“You can be driving and then boom, you hear a huge sound from the car coming up the road,” said Albert Maza Espinoza, who lives in southeast Fresno.
Others say the aging pavement has continued to deteriorate despite years of complaints.
City leaders argue the need for repairs has reached a critical point.
Mayor Jerry Dyer said Fresno currently faces about $1.2 billion in deferred road maintenance, along with another $300 million in deferred sidewalk repairs.
According to Dyer, the measure would provide an average of $75 million annually to the city of Fresno specifically for road improvements.
Councilmember Tyler Maxwell said many neighborhoods have waited generations for infrastructure upgrades.
“All their life, people have seen their streets go unpaved, their sidewalks go unrepaired and their neighborhoods fall into disrepair,” Maxwell said.
The proposal’s future remains uncertain.
Supporters recently submitted signatures in an effort to qualify the measure for the November ballot. However, the Fresno County Registrar of Voters reported finding duplicate signatures during the review process.
Mayor Dyer said city officials plan to work with county leaders to determine whether the measure can still move forward and appear before voters this fall.
If approved, supporters say the measure could help address some of Fresno’s most persistent road problems while keeping the current tax rate unchanged.
How would you rate the condition of roads in your area?