The Portola Valley Town Council unanimously approved the placement of Measure N on the November Municipal Election ballot for voter consideration.

Funding generated by Measure N addresses community-identified priorities such as:

• Maintaining wildfire prevention services such as, vegetation and brush management and clearance programs to reduce the chance of a wildfire
• Maintaining 911 emergency response times and police patrols
• Preventing a County takeover of local zoning and planning services
• Repairing deteriorating storm drains to prevent system failure, flowing and water pollution and sinkholes

Official Measure N Ballot Question

If enacted, Measure N ensures Portola Valley is prepared for natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, flooding or landslides with prevention measures, evacuation planning and emergency response communication systems.

Local Control and Independent Oversight

Measure N allows Portola Valley to financially stabilize, maintain local autonomy, emergency reserves and be self-reliant. If enacted, all funds from the general tax measure must be utilized for the Town of Portola Valley. No funds could be taken by the County, Sacramento or the Federal Government. The Town Finance and Audit Committee would provide independent oversight of annual audits, which would include the revenue generated by the measure.

Furthermore, Measure N protects the Town’s autonomy and ability to make our own zoning decisions as our own incorporated community. Should the Town lose our independent status, zoning decisions would be made by the County.

Measure N allows voters to decide whether Portola Valley should become a Charter Town and establish a locally controlled Real Property Transfer Tax. Becoming a Charter Town is required under state law before the Town can adopt this type of local funding measure. Both proposals would require majority voter approval to take effect. If approved by voters, the measure would establish a Real Property Transfer Tax of $10 per $1,000 of a property's sale price, paid by buyers or sellers at the time of sale, to provide locally controlled funding for essential Town services and long-term financial stability. 

*This is for informational purposes only.  The Town of Portola Valley does not advocate for or against Measure N.

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