San Diego, 2024—Climate Action Campaign and San Diego Coastkeeper release new poll results revealing that the majority of San Diego voters support two proposed taxes on the upcoming November ballot. Polling results came amidst California’s ‘thousand-year’ storms, which left more than 1,000 San Diegans displaced and over 500 homes and businesses destroyed.

“Our communities are shouldering the weight of continued underinvestment and budget deficiencies. With a long call sheet of unanswered requests, San Diegans recognize the need to invest in infrastructure of all kinds, and are willing to put money into their community.” — Nicole Capretz, Chief Executive Officer at Climate Action Campaign.

507 likely voters across the City of San Diego were surveyed, with voter demographics spanning party lines, age, education, gender, and race. The poll gauged public opinion on two upcoming ballot measures to fund key stormwater and infrastructure projects.

In response to recent storms, Measure A seeks to protect vulnerable San Diegans against flood impacts and improve water quality by establishing a parcel tax on impermeable land. Measure B aims to repair neighborhood streets and sidewalks, update police, paramedic, and 9-1-1 equipment and facilities, improve parks and library facilities, and improve general city services and infrastructure through a sales tax.

Key findings from the poll include:

• 59% of respondents are likely to support a parcel tax on impermeable land to fund water quality and stormwater improvements.

• 58% of respondents are likely to support a one-cent sales tax to generate revenue to improve critical city services.
  The number of voters confident in the direction of the City of San Diego decreased between January and February.

“After the devastation left by January’s storms, it’s no surprise that residents of San Diegans are tired of underinvestment and are committed to investing in resilient communities. The results are clear: budget constraints shouldn’t compromise our health and safety, and residents want action.” — Corinna Contreras, Climate Action Campaign Policy Advocate.

“Climate impacts remain one of the largest threats to our health and well-being, and we’re in a race against the clock to protect vulnerable communities. The November election offers a critical opportunity to push policies that reflect this urgency.” - Ali Mariko Dressel, Climate Action Campaign Policy Advocate.

While the majority of San Diegans support both ballot measures, poll results show support falling short of the 66% threshold. The state is proposing reducing the supermajority requirement to 55% for local taxes to fund public infrastructure. This would allow relevant measures, including measures A and B, on the 2024 November ballot to pass with a 55% majority.

This survey reflects our commitment to uplifting community voices and prioritizing community needs.