Berkeley Voters Back Doubled Sugary Drink Tax
Measure AA doubles the city's sugary drink tax while Measure V, a sales tax increase, narrowly gains support in early results.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Organic Food
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Berkeley voters overwhelmingly favored Measure AA, which increases the city's tax on sugar-sweetened drinks from 1 to 2 cents per fluid ounce, with 77.1% of counted votes in favor in early results. Measure V, a sales tax increase to 10.75%, drew 51.9% support in early results.
Why it matters
Berkeley faces a $30 million annual budget deficit tied to state takeaways of local funding and federal budget cuts. Measure V is intended to backfill that gap, and officials say 33 city positions could be eliminated in the 2028 fiscal year without it.
Measure AA raises the sugary drink tax from 1 to 2 cents per fluid ounce, with an estimated $2.2 million in annual revenue, while Measure V's projected $9-10 million per year would address a $30 million deficit. Final certified results and the full revenue effect of both measures remain unconfirmed in the early counts.
The players
Berkeley City Council
The Berkeley City Council is the governing body of the city, which placed Measure V on the ballot to address its budget shortfall.
The details
Measure AA is a citizen initiative, while Measure V was placed on the ballot by the City Council and requires only a simple majority to pass. Measure V would raise Berkeley's aggregate sales tax to 10.75%, within a statewide range of 7.25% to 11.25%.
Timeline
Measure AA's doubled sugary drink tax would take effect in April 2027 if passed.
Without Measure V, 33 city positions could be eliminated in the 2028 fiscal year.
Legal Context
Berkeley's proposed 10.75% aggregate sales tax would sit within California's statewide range of 7.25% to 11.25%, placing the city's local funding options inside an established state framework. Local sugary drink taxes and sales tax increases are both tools cities use when state and federal funding shrink.
Berkeley residents who buy sugar-sweetened drinks would pay more per fluid ounce starting in April 2027 if Measure AA takes effect. Shoppers would also face a higher sales tax rate of 10.75% if Measure V passes.
The takeaway
Residents tracking local spending should watch the final certified results, since both measures' revenue projections depend on the outcome. Keeping an eye on how sugary drink and sales tax changes affect everyday purchases can help households plan their budgets.
What happens next
If Measure V passes, the sales tax increase would take effect as the city works to close its deficit, and the sugary drink tax doubling is scheduled to begin in April 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Organic Food to see how sugary drink taxes fit into healthier food choices.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Local News Matters.
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Would you support a half-cent local sales tax increase to fund city services?
