The Future of Berkeley's Health and Wellbeing: A Ballot Initiative Guide

As Berkeleians head to the polls this November, they'll be faced with a series of ballot initiatives aimed at improving community health and wellbeing. One of the most significant measures is Measure HH, which would set new indoor air quality standards for city-owned or leased buildings. Proponents argue that this would not only improve air quality but also reduce health care costs, sick days, and workers' compensation claims. However, opponents claim that the cost of facility upgrades would mean less money for other city services. Another measure, Measure GG, would establish a tax on natural gas consumption in buildings over 15,000 square feet. The revenue generated would fund building decarbonization and conversions to natural gas. While proponents argue that this would help fight climate change and improve quality of life, opponents claim that it would burden nonprofits, schools, and small businesses. Measure X would establish a new funding stream for the Berkeley Public Library by introducing a parcel tax. The tax would raise an additional $5. 6 million annually, which would be used to maintain facilities, expand programming, and improve infrastructure. Measure Y would increase an existing parcel tax rate to raise an additional $3. 8 million annually for park maintenance, trees, and landscaping. Finally, Measure Z would extend the existing sugar-sweetened beverages tax, which was approved by voters in 2014. The tax has raised roughly $1. 15 million annually, which has been used to fund health and dental screenings, gardening teachers, and healthy eating lessons.