Measure M
OCTA Measure M Ten-Year Review
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.

Funding Allocation Breakdown
- Freeways (43%)
- Streets (32%)
- Transit (25%)
- A total of 2% of the overall Measure M Program funds is allocated to the Environmental Cleanup Program.
- A total of 5% of Measure M Freeway Program funds is allocated to the Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program.
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
milestones
|
TIMELINE |
---|---|
Measure M Ten-Year Review Kick-Off | Early 2024 |
Ten-Year Review Analysis | Mid-2024 to Mid-2025 |
Public and Stakeholder Engagement | Mid-2025 |
Final Plan | Early 2026 |