Background on Measure M

Measure M is a 30-year, half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Orange County, administered by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The program was approved by nearly 70% of voters in 2006 and took effect in 2011, following the expiration of the original Measure M (M1), which ran from 1991 to 2011 and generated approximately $4 billion for local transportation projects.

Established through Ordinance No. 3 (Ordinance), Measure M includes a Transportation Investment Plan (Plan) that funds a wide range of improvements—enhancing freeways, local streets, and public transit, while also addressing environmental mitigation and sustainability. The program is expected to generate approximately $14 billion through 2041, based on the latest sales tax revenue forecast from October 2024, to ensure continued investment in Orange County’s transportation infrastructure.

These investments can be seen across Orange County. Click here to explore an interactive map highlighting where Measure M has funded transportation improvements across the county including freeway upgrades, local street enhancements, transit projects, and environmental initiatives.

Overview of Measure M Ten-Year Review

In accordance with taxpayer safeguards in the Ordinance, OCTA is conducting a Comprehensive Ten-Year Review (Review) to evaluate the Plan’s performance. This Review will consider:

• Changes in policies and regulations
• Changes in land use, travel, and growth projections
• Changes in project cost estimates and revenue projections
• Right-of-way constraints and other project constraints
• The level of public support for the Plan
• The progress of OCTA, the county, and its 34 cities in implementing the Plan

The Review ensures that the Measure M program remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to Orange County’s evolving transportation challenges.

Project Timeline