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Measure M

Local Tax Dollars at Work

Measure M, is a 30-year one half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Orange County from 2011 through 2041. After experiencing the success and progress of the original Measure M, nearly 70 percent of voters renewed the half-cent sales tax in 2006.

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Why do we have M2?


In 2006, Orange County voters gave OCTA a vote of confidence and approved a 30-year extension of an existing one half-cent sales tax that was set to expire in 2011.

This renewal allows OCTA to continue making transportation improvements, one half-cent at a time, that benefit the public and the local economy. As of fall 2024, M2 is expected to generate approximately $14 billion through 2041.

$14 Billion*


For transportation improvements in Orange County.


*Estimate based on 2024 Sales Tax Revenue Forecast presented to the Board on October 14, 2024. OCTA receives updated revenue forecasts annually in the fall. The next update will take place in fall of 2025.

More about the sales tax revenue forecast.

  • Freeways 43%
  • Streets 32%
  • Transit 25%

M2 Net Revenue Funding Breakdown

The voter approved Transportation Investment Plan reflects the varied interest and priorities inherent in the diverse communities of Orange County.

A total of 2% of the overall M2 Program funds is allocated to the Environmental Cleanup Program.

A total of 5% of M2 Freeway Program funds is allocated to the Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program.

“The benefits of this program have been tremendous for Orange County. Our local tax dollars are invested directly back into the community to fund improvements on our freeways, neighborhood streets, and the transit system. Measure M helps ensure that our county will remain an ideal place to live, work and visit well into the future.”

- Darrell E. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer

Freeway
  • 30 freeway segments/projects
  • Reduce congestion, improve mobility, and enhance safety
  • Making improvements for more efficient travel
  • Streamline on-/off- ramps and widen bridges to improve traffic flow
  • Assists motorists with disabled vehicles on the freeway system to keep traffic moving

More about Freeway Projects

Streets and Roads
  • Projects improving arterials span Orange County's 6,500 lane miles of roadway
  • Bridges separate cars from trains for safe and reliable commuting
  • Synchronized traffic lights mean less stop and more go
  • Pavement improvements repair aging streets for smoother, safer travel
  • Milestone investment: From 2011 to 2022, $1 billion in M2 tax dollars were invested in local streets and roads. Learn more.

More about Streets & Roads Projects

Transit
  • Continues Metrolink service in Orange County, expands mid-day service, and improves track and rail stations
  • Provides transit connections to Metrolink
  • Lowers fares, provides more community-based services to expand mobility choices for seniors and persons with disabilities
  • Supports locally developed transit services for seasonal and year-round community circulators
  • Improves passenger amenities at the 100 busiest bus stops

More about Transit Projects

Environmental
Environmental Mitigation Program
  • Permanently protects open space properties and funds restoration projects to preserve the land and ensure that valuable animal and plant species can thrive forever for future generations
Environmental Cleanup Program
  • Protects beaches and ocean water from transportation-generated pollution that collects on roadways and in storm drains

More about Environmental Projects

Measure M2 Goals

Relieve Congestion
Improve Street Conditions
Expand Metrolink
Reduce costs for senior and people with disabilities
Synchronize signals
Reduce transportation related air and water pollution

For Progress to date, see Measure M2 Milestones

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