Sacramento Voters Will Decide Measure M Parcel Tax
Sacramento City Unified School District voters will weigh a $95 annual property tax for special education in November 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Special Education
Live Poll
Should residents approve a permanent parcel tax to fund special education in their school district?
Sacramento voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to decide on Measure M, a proposal for a $95 annual parcel tax per property. The school district intends to use the funds to cover costs for special education and early intervention programs.
Why it matters
The measure seeks a stable funding source for specialized academic services that the district argues require dedicated financial support. Because the tax would be permanent if passed, the outcome will dictate the district's long-term budgetary capacity for these programs.
Measure M proposes an annual tax of $95 per piece of property, with the district authorized to increase this rate by up to 3% each year. Exemptions are available for residents aged 65 and older and some Social Security recipients.
The players
Sacramento City Unified School District
This is the local public education agency responsible for administering schools and setting educational budgets across the Sacramento area.
The details
The proposal requires two-thirds voter approval to take effect, though voters retain the right to petition for its removal via a simple majority vote. The district project estimates this tax will generate approximately $10 million in annual revenue if approved.
Timeline
Campaign events with the local teachers union occurred in September 2026.
The ballot vote is scheduled for November 2026.
Culture Shift
This proposal reflects a growing trend of California school districts seeking localized funding through parcel taxes to offset revenue constraints. It highlights the shifting responsibility for school infrastructure and program funding from the state to individual property owners.
Property owners in Sacramento will see a $95 annual tax increase if the measure passes, with the potential for further 3% annual hikes. Residents who are 65 or older or qualify as Social Security recipients may claim exemptions from the payment.
The takeaway
If passed, the parcel tax establishes a permanent funding stream that can only be reversed by a future majority vote. Homeowners should evaluate their eligibility for age-based or social security exemptions before the November election.
What happens next
Voters will cast their ballots for or against the measure in the November 2026 election.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational funding debates in the Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Abridged - PBS KVIE.
Live Poll
Should residents approve a permanent parcel tax to fund special education in their school district?
