Measure X was a ballot initiative in 2018 that increased Oceanside's sales tax 1/2 cent for a period for seven years, beginning on April 1, 2019.  Measure X passed on November 6, 2018, with 55.7% of the vote.  Beginning April 1, 2019, the sales tax rate in Oceanside became 8.25%.

 

With the Measure X revenue set to expire in April 2026, the City of Oceanside again brought the question of renewing Measure X to voters. The proposal was examined and supported by the San Diego Taxpayers Association and the Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee.

In November 2024, Oceanside voters approved renewing the half-cent funding for a period of 10 years, from April  2026 to April 2036. The renewal passed with 69.34% of Oceanside voter approval.

What is Funded by Measure X?

Measure X revenue is used solely to enhance public safety, improve road conditions, bolster the City's infrastructure, provide no-cost youth programming, and aid in homelessness. The expenditures are reviewed by a Citizen Oversight Committee, which makes recommendations to the City Council.

Measure X Successes 

Infrastructure

• Built a new downtown Fire Station 1
• Completed a new Fire Department training tower
• Completed beachfront improvements: 14 new public restrooms, a new, wider stairway, repaved parking, a police substation, and plaza trees, benches, and lighting upgrades
• Funded the temporary seismic rehabilitation of the concrete Pier Bridge

Roads

• Repaired over 500 lane miles of roads, from 2019 when the tax began until present, through overlay and slurry seal projects with more coming Summer 2026
• Rehabilitated the South Strand
• Added new ADA curb ramps
• Funded new traffic calming measures in many neighborhoods
• View map of repairs done with Measure X funding

Public Safety Measures

• Created an Enhanced Emergency Service Delivery Model, adding EMTs and an ambulances for faster medical response in Oceanside
• Launched a Police Community Services Officer Model Program to build a pipeline of future police officers and respond to lower-priority issues, freeing up Police Officers to handle more critical 911 calls
• Expanded Crime Suppression teams
• Added downtown camera and technology upgrades
• Invested in gang diversion and a wide variety of youth programming
• Provided new equipment for Lifeguards
• Began the new wildfire defense team, Fire Mountain Crew 21. They clear brush, cut fire lines and reduce fuels before wildfires strike.

Efforts to Diminish Homelessness

• Funds Bridge Housing for vulnerable unhoused residents
• Expanded the Police Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to two teams with a dedicated van and social workers.  The HOT team will shift to a HEART model in Summer 2026
• Created a Homeless Reunification Program
• Created a Homeless Diversion and Prevention Program
• Created a Landlord Incentive Program for property owners renting to Section 8 voucher holders
• Helps fund Oceanside Navigation Center shelter operations
• Funds the Safe Parking Program

You're invited to attend or learn about upcoming Citizen Oversight meetings. Sign up to receive the agendas through My Subscriptions at the Gov Delivery link.

Measure X is a separate funding source than the 2026 Sales Tax Measure proposal. 

 

• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 1
• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 2
• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 3
• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 4
• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 5
• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 6
• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 7
• Measure X Spending Plan - Year 8

 

All are welcome at the Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee public meetings, held at City Hall in the City Council Chambers. To learn more about the Oversight Committee,  visit the Committee webpage.

 

 The Committee meets several times each year to review and recommend expenditures and the independent audit. At its April 30, 2024, Citizens Oversight Committee meeting, they asserted that "Measure X funds have been expended consistent with the intent of the measure": Details

 

Join us at a future meeting!

 

• The City conducted a Revenue Measure Feasibility Study Summary Report in November 2017.
• The City Council voted on June 6, 2018, to place a measure on the November 6, 2018 ballot. Staff Report
• The Registrar of Voters assigned the Measure letter X. Measure X would raise the sales tax in the City of Oceanside by 1/2 percent for a period of seven years.
• Measure X passed on November 6, 2018, by 55.7% of voters. Starting April 1, 2019, the sales tax rate in Oceanside is 8.25%.
• On June 26, 2024, the Oceanside City Council approved a resolution to add the question of the renewal of Measure X to the November General Election ballot.  Staff Report
• In November 2024, over 69% of Oceanside voters approved the renewal of Measure X for a period of 10 years. The half-cent is set to expire in April 2036.

The City Council approved the establishment of the Citizens Oversight Committee, Ordinance, and Spending Pledge on November 28, 2018.

• Staff Report

Citizens Oversight Committee members were appointed by the City Council on February 6, 2019.

• Committee Webpage
• Ordinance
• Bylaws of the Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee
• Finding that the Funds are Expended Consistent with the Intent of the Measure