FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Mayors from across Fresno County, alongside community members, came together on Wednesday to announce their plan for a new Measure C. The half-cent sales tax has funded transportation improvements over the last 40 years.<\/p>\n
Measure C is expected to expire next year, which means the main funding source for road work will end.<\/p>\n
Now, these mayors are proposing a new plan with a new focus.<\/p>\n
Repair potholes, fix local roads, safe routes to school. These were the messages on the signs during Wednesday’s announcement.<\/p>\n
They plan to launch a new campaign to get a renewal of “Measure C” on the November ballot.<\/p>\n
“This is not an urban versus rural measure. This is not a north end versus south end; this is a transportation measure for all,” says Mayor Jerry Dyer, City of Fresno.<\/p>\n
Unlike the expiring Measure C, which funded a new interchange between 41, 168 and 180, and extended 180 out past Sanger, this Measure C includes no funding for freeway expansion.<\/p>\n
The vast majority, 65%, will go toward maintenance, at a cost of $4.8 billion. 25% ($1.9 billion) will fund public transit. 5% for regional connectivity, 4% for transportation innovation, and 1% for administration.<\/p>\n
Rural communities in towns like Coalinga, Huron, and Mendota are a focal point of the measure. Mendota Mayor Victor Martinez says past proposals left his city in the rear-view mirror.<\/p>\n
“For the past 25 years, we’ve received only $5 million to fix our roads, for 25 years. This plan, the City of Mendota will be a recipient of $60 million, and that’s going to help us address and fix all those issues that we have in the community,” says Mayor Victor Martinez, City of Mendota.<\/p>\n
In 1986, voters approved the first Measure C.<\/p>\n
It was renewed in 2006. But voters rejected a renewal in 2022, amid criticism of its proposed projects.<\/p>\n
Since then, Fresno County officials have debated how to revise the proposal, but those discussions have stalled.<\/p>\n
“Their point was very blunt and direct to us who cares about buses, we don’t use them. I think the days of three old guys dictating the future of public transit and transit for millions people are behind us,” says Councilmember Miguel Arias, City of Fresno.<\/p>\n
Councilmember Arias called out County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld by name, saying he chose not to put their proposal to a vote, forcing them to pursue a citizen-led measure.<\/p>\n
Bredefeld is critical of the new plan.<\/p>\n
“The measure C’s in the past have worked, but this one has been hijacked by a bunch of left-wing radicals who want to get people out of their cars and riding bicycles and buses and electric scooters to work. That’s what this is all about. They don’t put the necessary amount of money to fix streets and roads,” says Supervisor Garry Bredefeld, Fresno County.<\/p>\n
Supporters note that funding public transit has long been part of Measure C, and this version only increases funding by 1%.<\/p>\n
For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Col\u00f3n on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n