Measure C passed with just 54% support, leaving nearly half of Santa Cruz residents not wanting it. Some of those naysayers are concerned about loopholes, transparency and who will actually benefit from the new taxes, writes Keven Cook, an electrical engineer and veteran of political campaigns.
Santa Cruz ballot measures 2025
News and Community Voices opinion coverage of Measures B and C on ballots in the city of Santa Cruz in November 2025.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: After narrow approval of Santa Cruz’s Measure C, Keeley sets sights on addressing concerns of the 46% who voted against it
A weekly look at what’s happening around Santa Cruz County politics & policy from Lookout.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley on Measure C’s long road to success and next steps
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley celebrated the narrow passage of Measure C, the city’s Workforce Housing Affordability Act, which will generate about $4.5 million annually through new property and real estate transfer taxes to fund affordable housing and homelessness initiatives.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Election 2025: Measure C widens victory with Friday results
Measure C has solidified its lead in Santa Cruz’s competing affordable housing ballot measures, earning 54% of the city’s vote compared to just 12% for Measure B. The measure, expected to raise $4.5 million annually through new property taxes, continues to gain ground as officials tally the remaining 8% of county ballots.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County special election 2025: Measure C declares victory
Read the latest updates from the 2025 special election and see the results for Measures B and C in the city of Santa Cruz and California Proposition 50.
Posted inHousing & Development
Election 2025: Santa Cruz affordable housing advocates celebrate win on Measure C
Santa Cruz voters have approved Measure C, the housing advocate-supported ballot initiative, with more than 53% of the vote, while the competing Measure B, supported by local real estate interests, failed with just 11.9%. County officials continue counting ballots, with the next update on Friday at 4 p.m.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Election 2025: Measure C takes slim lead in dueling Santa Cruz affordable housing plans
Measure C, an affordable housing measure backed by housing advocates and Santa Cruz officials, was narrowly winning its race as of early Wednesday, with about 52.5% of the vote. Measure B, a competing measure sponsored by local realtors, was poised for defeat, earning only about 12% of votes.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Measures B and C: How campaign finance shakes out on last day before the vote
Both Measures B and C saw hundreds of thousands of dollars roll into the respective campaigns, but there are some notable differences. Measure C saw nearly $100,000 more donated than Measure B, which had only three major contributions, all from different realtors organizations.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: Santa Cruz County’s RV demolition plan tests the limits of California’s homelessness enforcement
What’s happening this week around Santa Cruz County politics & policy, courtesy of Lookout correspondents, plus stories you might have missed.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Yes on C: We are Santa Cruz faith leaders and we choose now to act for our neighbors
OPINION: A coalition of Santa Cruz faith leaders is urging a “yes” vote on Measure C, calling affordable housing a moral and spiritual duty and citing rabbis, the pope, Buddhist tradition and Jesus’ teachings.