This June, residents of Marin and Sonoma will be voting on Measure B, which will continue funding the SMART train and pathway. MCBC has endorsed the measure, and we hope you will vote for it! Ballots will be mailed on May 4th.
The SMART train helps thousands of people get where they are going every day, including many hundreds of bicyclists. The pathway, which has seen recent expansions in Marin and Sonoma, sees thousands of biking and walking trips a day. We need to keep this momentum going, giving people safe, accessible alternatives to driving in a car in the North Bay.
If you want to help this measure pass (which simply extends the existing half-cent sales tax), there are some great volunteer opportunities!
Host a Yard Sign
The most visible way to support Measure B is to put a yard sign in front of your home. Starting Monday, April 6th, you can pick up signs at the below locations in San Rafael and Novato. There is also a pick-up location Larkspur – please email bethsteffy@gmail.com for the details.
San Rafael
Ghilotti Brothers
525 Jacoby Street
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–3:30pm (walk down the driveway to the right of the building, signs will be on your left)
Novato
W. Bradley Electric
90 Hill Road
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm
Help Distribute Yard Signs
We need to help get yard signs to the people that have requested them. Bonus points if you do it by bike!
For more information about either hosting or helping hand out yard signs, please contact the Measure B Campaign Manager, Beth Steffy at bethsteffy@gmail.com. She’ll help you get set up.
Write a Letter to the Editor
Opponents of the SMART measure are pulling out the same tired anti-transit, anti-tax messaging. If the SMART train or pathway has improved your quality of life, or opened up access to different parts of Marin or Sonoma, let the world know! The best way to do that is to write a letter to the editor for the Marin IJ. Click here for instructions; it’s surprisingly easy! If you want help or talking points, contact bethsteffy@gmail.com.
Because the signature gathering campaign to place the measure on the ballot was a huge success, Measure B only needs a simple majority of votes cast to pass. This significantly increases the likelihood of the sales tax renewal. The last attempt in 2020, Measure I, achieved a majority of support but fell far short of the two-thirds majority it needed to pass. That said, wealthy opponents have been funding a “no” campaign, including a book sent to nearly every elected official in the Bay Area. Volunteer support will be critical in getting this measure across the finish line.
Look out for more news on SMART in the coming months, with an update on the planned path between Downtown San Rafael and Terra Linda, and the gap closure between Bel Marin Keys and the Novato Costco, scheduled to start construction next year.