YES ON MEASURE V
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A UC or CSU degree shouldn't come with a lifetime of debt. That's why 42% of local high school graduates choose College of San Mateo, Cañada College, and Skyline College instead — the same quality education and job training, without the sky-high price tag.
Local community colleges are the backbone of our economy, training the nurses who care for us, the firefighters who keep us safe, and the skilled workers who power local industries. For students seeking hands-on, vocational training to land good-paying careers, these campuses are irreplaceable.
Many campus buildings are more than 50 years old and have never been updated. They don't meet modern safety codes, are in urgent need of repairs, and haven't kept pace with industry standards for job training.
Measure V is a local funding measure on the November 2026 ballot that will provide dedicated funding to address our aging campuses — repairing and upgrading our aging classrooms and labs, without increasing taxes.
To repair and upgrade aging college facilities, the San Mateo County Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place Measure V, an $848 million facilities improvement bond on the November 2026 ballot. Measure V would simply extend, rather than increase, the current bond tax rate previously approved by voters, while bonds are outstanding, meaning no projected increase on taxpayers’ bills.
Measure V will fund projects like:
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Removing hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes
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Repairing deteriorated roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and gas, sewer, and electrical systems
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Modernizing career training facilities, labs, and equipment for in-demand fields like nursing, engineering, technology, public safety, and skilled trades
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By law, Measure V requires accountability protections:
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A detailed project list outlines how funds will be spent
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Independent oversight and annual audits are required
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All funds stay in San Mateo County — the State and Federal Government can’t touch Measure V
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No. Measure V would simply extend, rather than increase, the current bond tax rate previously approved by voters, while bonds are outstanding, meaning no projected increase on taxpayers’ bills.
Yes. All funds would be locally controlled and would benefit SMCCCD only, meaning every penny is spent on the campuses of College of San Mateo, Skyline College, and Cañada College. No funds will be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.
The State of California offers funds for community college capital improvement projects; however, districts must provide a local funding match to compete for and secure those funds. Measure V would position SMCCCD to leverage and maximize eligibility for future State funding opportunities, including an estimated $250 million or more in potential State support. Without a local funding source, the District’s ability to compete for State funding will be significantly limited, and those funds may instead be awarded to other districts across California.
No. By law, no funds from Measure V may be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions.
The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today.
55% of voters need to vote "Yes on V" to pass and fund repairs and upgrades to aging classrooms and labs in the San Mateo County Community College District.
All residents of San Mateo Community College District will be able to vote on Measure V on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
Paid for by Yes on V, San Mateo County Citizens for Higher Education, a Coalition Including Building & Construction Trades Council of San Mateo County; Ad committee’s top funder: San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation