Frequently Asked Questions
Safe, Strong Santa Ana Now!
Measure N maintains essential Santa Ana services at the current local sales tax rate – without increasing taxes.
What is Measure N?
Measure N continues Santa Ana’s existing 1.5% locally controlled sales tax at its current rate. The existing local funding was first approved by voters as Measure X in 2018. Voting Yes on N continues this funding supporting essential city services and infrastructure –
without increasing taxes.
Does Measure N increase the local sales tax rate?
No. Measure N keeps the existing 1.5% local sales tax at the rate Santa Ana residents already pay. A YES vote maintains the current rate; it does not raise it.
Why does Santa Ana need Measure N?
Santa Ana has major ongoing responsibilities for the services and infrastructure residents rely on every day. The City maintains 454 miles of streets, 90 miles of storm drains, and 371 acres of parks and playfields, while also providing emergency response and other essential services. Voting Yes on N keeps this locally controlled funding in place so Santa Ana can continue addressing these needs.
What services does Measure N help maintain?
Measure N maintains locally controlled funding for priorities such as fixing potholes and paving streets; repairing aging infrastructure including storm drains, bridges, sidewalks, and public facilities; maintaining fire, paramedic, and 9-1-1 emergency response; keeping parks and playgrounds safe, clean, and well maintained; removing graffiti, trash, and litter; and addressing homelessness.
What happens if Measure N does not pass?
Without Measure N, Santa Ana would lose $45 million in annual funding requiring cuts to essential services residents rely on. That would mean more potholes, deteriorating streets, sidewalks, storm drains, bridges, and public facilities. It would also mean more graffiti, trash, and litter with slower 9-1-1 emergency response times.
Does Measure N money stay in Santa Ana?
Yes. Measure N funds are locally controlled and must stay in Santa Ana to support local services and infrastructure. The county, state, and federal government cannot take these funds away.
How can we be sure the funds are spent as promised?
Measure N continues fiscal accountability requirements that include an independent oversight committee, annual audits, and public disclosure of all spending. These safeguards help ensure the public can see how the funds are being used.
Do visitors help pay the local sales tax?
Yes. Anyone who makes taxable purchases in Santa Ana pays the local sales tax. That means visitors and people who live outside Santa Ana help contribute to the locally controlled funding used for city services.
Are groceries and prescription medications taxed?
No. Everyday essentials such as groceries, prescription medicine, and diapers are exempt from sales tax.
How has the existing local sales tax been used?
Since voters approved Measure X in 2018, the City has used this locally controlled revenue to help repair streets and infrastructure, improve public safety, remove graffiti, and support other essential city services. Voting Yes on N allows that local funding source to continue at the existing rate without increasing taxes.
Why act now instead of waiting?
Street, infrastructure, and facility needs only become more expensive if they are deferred. Maintaining roads, storm drains, parks, public facilities, and emergency services requires ongoing investment. Measure N keeps an existing local revenue source in place so Santa Ana can continue addressing these needs rather before they become more expensive to repair later.
Why vote YES on Measure N?
A YES vote keeps locally controlled funding in Santa Ana for streets, infrastructure, parks, well-maintained neighborhoods, and rapid emergency response. It continues independent oversight, audits, and public disclosure. Voting Yes on N accomplishes all of this,
without increasing taxes.
When will Measure N be on the ballot?
Measure N is on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. All voters will receive a ballot in the mail in early October. Return your ballot by mail or to a ballot drop box before November 3 or vote in person. To find a convenient in-person voting location visit: ocvote.gov/voting
