2026 Voter Guide

United Contractors

2026 Ballot Positions & Voter Guide 

Protecting California's Infrastructure Future 

On November 3, California voters will decide the future of billions in infrastructure investments to fund roads, highways, transit and other critical infrastructure projects across the state. Read UCON's Voter Guide to see what's at stake for union contractors.    

Positions At-A-Glance

Speeds up environmental review so essential infrastructure projects break ground faster. 

“Yes on Prop 45 will help union contractors build critical infrastructure projects faster and with greater certainty.” — Gus Flores, Director of Government Relations, United Contractors 

Summary: 
Prop 45 would establish enforceable timelines for environmental review, permitting decisions and litigation involving defined essential projects, including transportation, water, housing, clean energy, broadband, healthcare, education and public safety infrastructure.  

Industry Impact: 
Project delays and unpredictable approval timelines increase costs and can keep essential infrastructure from reaching construction. Prop 45 would create clearer timelines for agencies and courts while maintaining environmental review. It also requires covered projects to meet applicable labor and workforce standards. UCON supports Prop 45 because a more predictable process can move critical infrastructure projects into construction faster, reduce unnecessary delay and increase opportunities for union contractors. 

TAKE ACTION: Share a social media post and show your support for #prop45 

Learn more: Visit the Yes on Proposition 45 campaign  |   Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) Analysis  

California Local Ballot Measures

One-Time Wealth Tax 

Summary: Prop 40 would impose a one-time 5% tax on Californians whose net worth exceeds $1 billion. Ninety percent of the revenue would be dedicated to healthcare and 10% to food assistance or education. The measure prohibits these revenues from being used for transportation, infrastructure or other general services. 

Industry Impact: California depends heavily on personal income tax revenue to fund the General Fund, which supports major transportation and infrastructure investments. With California already facing a major transportation funding shortfall, UCON opposes Prop 40 because it could drive high-earning taxpayers out of the state, reduce ongoing income tax revenue and leave fewer resources available for roads, highways, bridges and other critical infrastructure. 

Learn more: Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) Analysis 

Local Special Tax Vote Threshold 

Summary: Prop 43 would raise the approval threshold for voter-sponsored local special taxes from a simple majority to two-thirds, making it more difficult for voters to approve or extend local infrastructure funding measures. 

Industry Impact: Locally approved sales taxes, bonds and self-help county measures provide dependable, multi-year funding for transportation and public works. Raising the threshold could prevent otherwise popular measures from passing, putting future investment in highways, transit, bridges, flood control, water systems and public facilities at risk. UCON opposes Prop 43 to protect one of California's most important sources of local infrastructure funding. 

Learn more: Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) Analysis 

Transportation Sales Tax Renewal 

Summary: Measure A would renew Riverside County's existing half-cent transportation sales tax beyond 2039 without increasing the current rate. The renewal is estimated to generate approximately $280 million annually for transportation projects and services and includes audits, financial reviews, taxpayer oversight and limits on administrative costs. 

Industry Impact: Measure A would continue dedicated funding for local streets and roads, major highway and regional corridor improvements, Metrolink and other public transportation. Continued local funding gives Riverside County a reliable foundation to deliver projects, compete for matching state and federal dollars and address the needs of a fast-growing region. 

Learn more: Official Measure A information 

Transportation Sales Tax Extension 

Summary: Measure I would extend San Bernardino County's existing half-cent transportation sales tax beyond 2040 without raising the tax rate. The extension is projected to generate more than $200 million annually for transportation investment. 

Industry Impact: Measure I would continue funding for highway, rail and transit improvements, local road rehabilitation, traffic management and mobility services. The expenditure plan directs 50% to major regional transportation projects, 25% to local transportation needs and 25% to transit operations and mobility services. Its passage would preserve a long-term pipeline of construction work across the Inland Empire. 

Learn more: Official Measure I information 

Five-County Regional Transportation Measure 

Summary: Connect Bay Area Transit is a 14-year regional measure covering Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. It would increase the sales tax by 0.5% in four counties and 1% in San Francisco, generating approximately $980 million annually to support transit operations and capital improvements. 

Industry Impact: While much of the measure supports transit operations, dedicated county allocations would also produce major capital investment. Santa Clara County could direct between $1.1 billion and $2 billion to heavy civil road and highway rehabilitation, zero-emission fleet facilities, transit center expansion and signal modernization. San Mateo County has identified approximately $385 million for street infrastructure, transit connectivity and state-of-good-repair work. The measure would protect these capital opportunities and help avoid transit reductions that could weaken the Bay Area economy. 

Learn more: Full text of the initiative