As a cross-sector, member-driven organization, East Bay EDA promotes, advocates, and influences legislation and policy efforts that strengthen the East Bay’s economic vitality. Our work centers on advancing policies that attract businesses, support quality jobs, and encourage continued investment across the region. Each election cycle, East Bay EDA evaluates ballot measures through the lens of our legislative platform to help inform members, partners, and the broader community about initiatives that may impact the East Bay economy.
This blog post serves as the official notification to our members, partners, and stakeholders regarding East Bay EDA’s recommendations for the November 2026 ballot. The recommended positions below were developed by the East Bay EDA Legislative & Policy Committee, co-chaired by Ruben Lizardo, Director of Local Government & Community Relations at UC Berkeley, and Greg Armstrong, former Executive Director of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Committee members who represent the organization’s diverse, cross-sector membership review each measure with careful consideration of its potential economic and regional implications. Following this deliberative process and review by East Bay EDA’s Executive Committee, the organization is not taking positions on Propositions 3, 4, 5, 37, 40, 41, 42, 44 and 45.
State of California Ballot Measures
Support – Proposition 1: Veteran and Housing Assistance Programs Bond Measure
Issue $11.25 billion in bonds to fund Multifamily Housing Program, CalVet Home Loan Program, and youth housing
East Bay EDA supports Proposition 1 because expanded investment in multifamily, veteran, and youth housing directly advances regional economic vitality. Stable, affordable housing strengthens the workforce, supports business retention, and aligns with our platform priorities around Economic Empowerment, Equity & Inclusion, and Land Use & Infrastructure.
Support – Proposition 2: Budget Stabilization Account Cap Increase and Gann Limit Changes Amendment
Increase the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) cap from 10% of general fund revenue to 20% and exclude deposits into the BSA from the Gann Limit
Proposition 2 promotes long‑term fiscal stability by increasing the state’s Budget Stabilization Account cap and improving reserve management. A stronger reserve framework helps shield essential services and economic initiatives from volatility, aligning with East Bay EDA’s focus on sustainable, equitable economic systems.
Support – Proposition 38: Establish Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Institute Initiative
Establish an Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Institute affiliated with the University of California.
Proposition 38 supports advanced research and innovation at UC-affiliated institutions, strengthening California’s leadership in biotechnology and life sciences, critical sectors for the East Bay economy. Investments in health innovation align strongly with our priorities around Economic Empowerment and Environmental Stewardship & Community Health.
Oppose – Proposition 39: Voter Identification, Citizenship Verification, and Registered Voter List Administration Initiative
Require voters to present government-issued identification when casting ballots and require election officials to use government data to confirm voter citizenship and report verification rates
East Bay EDA opposes Proposition 39 because additional voter identification requirements could create barriers to participation and disproportionately affect underrepresented communities. Reducing civic participation undermines equitable economic policy outcomes, conflicting with the organization’s legislative platform.
Oppose – Proposition 43: Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Local Special Tax Initiatives and Property Tax Initiative Prohibition Amendment
Require a two-thirds vote by electorate to enact, extend, or increase local special tax initiatives and prohibit the enactment of property taxes through the initiative process
Proposition 43 would significantly affect local fiscal authority and infrastructure financing, which are key issues for economic development. East Bay EDA is opposing this initiative, stating that additional requirements could slow the implementation of measures previously approved by voters.
East Bay Ballot Measures (Alameda County, Contra Costa County, & Regional Measures only – no local/municipal measures)
Support – Measure RTM: Public Transit Revenue Measure District, California, Proposition RTM, Create Sales Tax to Fund Regional Transportation Systems Initiative
To prevent major service cuts to BART and other transit, avoid increased traffic, and reduce pollution by: Preserving BART, Caltrain, VTA, SamTrans, AC Transit, Muni, other transit for everyone, including workers, students, seniors, persons with disabilities; Supporting transit safety, cleanliness, affordability, reliability; Repairing targeted roads/potholes; Requiring financial transparency, oversight, accountability; shall the measure enacting a 0.5% (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara counties), and 1% (San Francisco) sales tax for 14 years generating approximately $980,000,000 annually, be adopted
East Bay EDA supports Measure RTM because reliable, safe, and affordable transit is essential to regional economic competitiveness. The measure prevents severe service cuts across key transit systems, reduces congestion and pollution, and supports transportation access for workers, students, seniors, and people with disabilities. These investments align directly with our priorities around Business Climate & Economic Competitiveness, Economic Empowerment & Equity, and Land Use & Infrastructure.