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Measure M

OCTA Measure M Ten-Year Review

PROJECT CONTACT

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