Measure M FAQ

What is the Measure M parks tax measure?

More than 72% of Sonoma County voters approved Measure M in November 2018. The measure established a one-eighth-cent sales tax to support Sonoma County’s regional and city parks for 10 years. The tax currently generates more than $15 million annually to protect natural lands and waterways, keep parks clean and safe, expand trails, renovate aging parks and recreation facilities and manage wildfire risks. Two-thirds of the annual revenue is allocated to Sonoma County Regional Parks. One-third is distributed among the county’s cities based on their populations.

Why were Sonoma County voters asked to approve a parks tax measure?

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 60 parks on more than 18,000 acres. Much of the system’s growth has occurred over the past 20 years through successful partnerships with government and community agencies, resulting in parks such as Monte Rio Redwoods, Taylor Mountain, North Sonoma Mountain and Tolay Lake.

Before Measure M, Regional Parks did not have a dedicated funding source to address deferred maintenance, to improve access to parks, trails and preserves or to reduce wildfire risks by managing vegetation. Cities had similar needs to maintain and improve facilities, provide recreation programs for their communities and decrease wildfire risks on city-owned open space parks. Measure M created a dedicated, local funding source for these needs.

How have Measure M funds been used?

Measure M revenue has funded maintenance, park improvements and new projects throughout the county. Between fiscal years 2019–20 and 2024–25, Sonoma County Regional Parks and the cities have invested nearly $70 million in Measure M revenue in their respective park systems. Measure M also helps Regional Parks and cities with the capital funds needed to qualify for state, federal and private grants, which multiplies the impact of Measure M tax dollars. Annual reports detailing Measure M spending are available at SoCoParks.org/ParksForAll.

What are some Measure M-funded projects?

Among the numerous projects supported by Measure M, Sonoma County Regional Parks has opened Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Preserve, expanded trails at Taylor Mountain and Hood Mountain in Santa Rosa, renovated parks such as Maxwell Farms and Larson Park in Sonoma Valley, rebuilt trails and restored Foothill Regional Park in Windsor following the Kincade Fire and added a trailhead connecting communities to Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma.

Measure M funding helps protect waterways and wildlife habitat and supports livestock grazing, brush thinning, prescribed fire and other vegetation management that helps reduce the risk of wildfire in parks and neighboring communities. 

Cities and the County also use their Measure M funding to repair playgrounds and community parks; add or renovate restrooms; rebuild sports courts, playing fields and pools; improve trails and pathways; expand recreation programs and summer camps; hire maintenance staff and plan for future park improvements.

How much does Measure M cost taxpayers?

The tax rate is one-eighth of a cent per dollar. It adds approximately 3 cents to a $25 purchase and 12 cents to a $100 purchase. Anyone who buys a taxable good in Sonoma County contributes to Measure M revenue, regardless of where they live.

How is Measure M spending overseen?

The measure includes a detailed expenditure plan outlining how funds may be used. Each jurisdiction determines how to use their allocated revenue within that framework. A citizen oversight committee reviews spending and produces an annual report for the public. Reports are available at SoCoParks.org/ParksForAll. 

What happens when Measure M expires?

The collection of Measure M sales tax is scheduled to end in early 2029. Regional Parks leaders are discussing with local officials the possibility of asking voters in November 2026 to consider extending the existing one-eighth-cent tax. A renewing ballot measure would continue the existing tax structure that supports regional and city parks – it would not create an additional or higher tax rate. If the existing measure expires without renewal, Regional Parks and city parks departments would no longer have the funding it generates, which could affect park maintenance, recreation services, environmental projects and public access.

If a parks sales tax is renewed, how would future revenue be used?

If voters were to extend a parks measure, Regional Parks and the cities would continue to invest these revenues in park operations, maintenance and improvements. Potential revenue uses could include maintaining parks and trails; reducing wildfire risk; restoring habitat; preserving creeks, streams and rivers; modernizing restrooms and facilities; maintaining sports fields and playgrounds; and supporting recreation and education programs. Like Measure M, any future measure would include an expenditure plan and citizen oversight.

What taxpayer protections and accountability are built into Measure M and will they continue if a parks tax is renewed?

Measure M has been subject to annual audits since its adoption, with funds overseen by a citizen oversight committee. Each year, Regional Parks issues a public report on how funds are spent and holds a public meeting to review that report. Because Measure M is a special tax dedicated to county and city parks, the revenue cannot be used for any other purposes. These accountability measures will remain in place if voters renew the tax.

How do parks departments know what the public wants?

Each parks system conducts outreach and planning to determine how to best serve its residents. For example, Regional Parks is surveying residents countywide in spring 2026 to learn what they value about their parks and their priorities for services and amenities. Public input helps inform spending and planning decisions. Take the survey at SoCoParks.org/ParksSurvey.

How can I get more information?

If you have questions or comments about Measure M or the status of a parks sales tax, please contact Sonoma County Regional Parks at (707) 565-2041 or parks@sonomacounty.gov.