Title
a. Receive a presentation on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot propositions and consider supporting or opposing them per the recommendations of the Legislative Committee;
b. Provide other direction to staff as necessary.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a presentation on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot propositions and consider supporting or opposing them per the recommendations of the Legislative Committee;
b. Provide other direction to staff as necessary.
SUMMARY:
The following (6) ballot initiatives were considered by the Legislative Committee to have an impact on county operations:
• Proposition 1: The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026
• Proposition 2: Save for California’s Future Act
• Proposition 3: Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes
• Proposition 37: Middle-Income Buyers of Qualified New Homes
• Proposition 39: Voter Identification and Citizenship Verification Requirements
• Proposition 43: Local Taxes: Limitations
DISCUSSION:
The following ballot propositions will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The Legislative Committee recommends the Board of Supervisors consider supporting or opposing the following ballot initiatives as a full board:
Proposition 1: The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026
This measure is a legislatively referred bond measure that would authorize $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds to fund affordable housing and veteran home loan programs.
Legislative Committee recommendation: Support
Proposition 2: Save for California’s Future Act
This measure, called the Save for California’s Future Act, would double the cap on California’s rainy day fund from 10% to 20% of annual tax revenue, allowing the state to save more during strong economic years to protect essential services in downturns.
Legislative Committee recommendation: Support
Proposition 3: Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes
This measure would make permanent the higher income tax rates on the state’s highest earners, currently set to expire in 2031.
Legislative Committee recommendation: Support
Proposition 37: Middle-Income Buyers of Qualified New Homes
This measure would create a new middle-class homeownership loan program to help eligible California residents buy qualified new single-family homes with more affordable financing.
Legislative Committee recommendation: Support
Proposition 39: Voter Identification and Citizenship Verification Requirements
This measure is a constitutional amendment on the November 2026, California ballot that would require government-issued identification for in-person voting and the last four digits of a government-issued ID for mail-in ballots.
Legislative Committee recommendation: Oppose
Proposition 43: Local Taxes: Limitations
This measure would require a two‑thirds (66.67%) voter approval for any new, increased, or extended local special taxes - whether proposed by local governments or by citizens - and would ban most local ad valorem property taxes except for certain bond‑debt‑service taxes.
Legislative Committee recommendation: Oppose
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Legislative Committee evaluated the California 2026 ballot initiatives at the 09/14/2026 meeting.
FINANCING:
There is no fiscal impact to taking a position on these ballot propositions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
These six ballot propositions will impact the entire state of California in a myriad of ways that will have impacts on the Strategic Plan Goals.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals
__X__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__X__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
__X__ Safe and Resilient Communities
__X__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Nicole Hollingsworth, Legislative Program Manager, Ext. 3040
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer, x5145
Attachments:
Proposition Links