Measure M
Halfway there and committed through 2041
Fifteen years ago, Orange County voters chose to continue investing locally in transportation by renewing a half-cent sales tax. That investment continues to transform the county, delivering improvements that keep pace with significant growth while preparing for the future.
Measure M Delivers: Promises Made, Promises Kept
One half-cent at a time, Measure M is expected to generate approximately $13.2 billion through 2041. In its first 15 years, Measure M enhanced regional mobility with freeway improvement projects, invested in better traffic flow and well-maintained streets, and expanded travel options for all. And that’s just the beginning.
Program goals
Together, these goals reflect a balanced and sustainable approach to transportation that strengthens mobility, supports economic vitality, and safeguards quality of life for generations to come.
Programs and Benefits
Local tax dollars are invested back into the community to fund improvements on freeways, neighborhood streets, the transit system, and environmental preservation and protection.
#1 statewide pavement condition ranking achieved and consistently maintained
3,789 synced signals cut travel time by 13%
$81.1 million to complement bus and rail services
52 million Metrolink boardings
13 restoration projects funded
91.7 million gallons of trash prevented from entering local waterways
Nearly 100 new regular and carpool lanes added to reduce congestion
889,900 services performed to help motorists and remove debris
Improvements Span the County
Explore an interactive map highlighting Measure M investments across the county from 2011 to 2026. They showcase progress and connectivity, with more enhancements on the way as the next chapter of Measure M unfolds.
Flexible Funding Distributed Directly To Cities
The Local Fair Share Program provides flexible funding that helps cities and the County of Orange maintain county streets as the best in the state and assists with other local transportation needs such as installing complete streets for the benefit of all.
Evaluating Performance
The Measure M Ten-Year Review evaluated how investments have improved mobility, reduced congestion, and supported Orange County’s growing population and economy. Despite significant growth in population, housing, and employment, Measure M investments have helped maintain reliable travel and reduce delays that would otherwise impact quality of life and economic activity.
The Ten-Year Review features a modeled comparison of current conditions with and without Measure M, including:
Improvements are absorbing growth efficiently.
Travel times are reliable even during peak commute periods.
Transit continues as a viable option.
What People Say About Measure M
Community members share how Measure M makes a difference across Orange County.
President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council
"OCTA’s effective revenue management continues to deliver high-quality projects our business infrastructure depends on — including enhancements to freeways that improve access to jobs and strengthen the economy."
Freeway Services Patrol Tow Operator
"Tow operators like me are here to help change a flat tire, provide gas, and other support to drivers who are stranded at the side of the freeway."
2026 Chair of the OCTA Technical Advisory Committee
"Local Fair Share has allowed Orange County cities the opportunity to address street improvements that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to do, including improvements to roadway pavement and traffic signals."
Placentia Resident
"Traffic would back up waiting for long freight trains to pass. Now it’s so much smoother driving through the area and a lot safer, too."
OCTA Environmental Mitigation Program Project Manager
"It's important that we protect the open spaces, wildlife, and beaches of Orange County special for years to come."
OC Bus rider
"For a lot of people, transportation is about independence, and bus services give us the freedom to get around.”
The Journey Continues
Halfway there, Measure M continues to deliver on its promise to invest locally and improve quality of life in Orange County every day. The next 15 years will bring even more improvements to keep the county moving through 2041 and beyond.
