Backing for Measure E, San Diego sales tax hike, trails early
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Measure E, San Diego's one-cent sales tax increase for general city services, is trailing in early results, but the race remains too close to call.
Why it matters: The city last year balanced its budget by using one-time revenue sources to pay for ongoing expenses, a structural deficit years in the making that the tax was meant to address.
Driving the news: As of Wednesday morning, 50.7% of city voters opposed Measure E, and 49.3% of city voters supported it.
What they're saying: Mayor Todd Gloria, a major supporter of Measure E, said Tuesday he was still optimistic the measure would pass.
- ""We're only about two points behind. I believe it's very possible that lead will grow as the ballots are counted," he said, pointing to Measure B in 2022, which trailed early but eventually prevailed.
State of play: The city's independent budget analyst a year ago estimated the city faced a $1 billion deficit over the next five years, based on its ongoing commitments and revenue sources.
- Measure E's estimated $400 million per year in new revenue from city sales was meant to correct that imbalance.
Yes, but: If the measure passes, that new revenue could be spoken for quickly as officials look to move on long-delayed expenditures — like improvements to a stormwater system that was responsible for catastrophic flooding in southeastern San Diego this year.
- Road repairs and homeless services could be in store for increased spending, and employees could be in line for higher pay.
What's next: The registrar estimates it has 590,000 countywide votes remaining. Votes will continue to be tallied through Nov. 15.
- County officials will have until Dec. 5 to certify the election results.