Berkeley absolutely needs to invest in its aging infrastructure. The question is whether Measure U is the right approach. Measure U authorizes $300 million in borrowing for infrastructure with no comprehensive capital plan, no binding commitment to specific projects, and no budget for maintaining new facilities. Council identified 35 potential projects to fund, but did not prioritize or legally commit to any of them. 

At current interest rates, the total cost could reach $550–$600 million. High construction costs, competing priorities, and the absence of a clear blueprint for success threaten affordability by saddling taxpayers with enormous debt without addressing Berkeley’s most pressing infrastructure needs.

Duplicates Existing Funding

Proponents argue that Measure U “makes Berkeley eligible for matching funds” and “maintains sidewalks, curb ramps, and pathways.” But residents are already paying for many of these same purposes.

In 2024, City leaders persuaded voters to approve Measure FF, one of Berkeley’s largest annual parcel taxes, promising to “more than double the funding for street paving, safety improvements, and environmental enhancements…twice as much funding to fix potholes…and twice as much money to win critical infrastructure grants.” (2024 Voter Guide)

No Plan for Success

Before assuming hundreds of millions of dollars in new debt, Berkeley should better plan and account for how existing infrastructure taxes are being spent, identify its highest priorities, establish realistic costs and schedules, and explain how those investments will be maintained.

Berkeley needs infrastructure investment. What it does not need is another enormous blank check for overlapping purposes without a credible plan for spending it.