Measure T1: Your Investment in Infrastructure At Work
Renovation of the Adult Mental Health Services Center is one of dozens of projects completed thanks to Measure T1.
Infrastructure plays a critical role in the functioning of our city. From visible elements such as our streets, parks, and public facilities, to the more concealed such as storm drains and sewers, the quality of our infrastructure is a reflection of our ability to address the needs of the community. Berkeley residents agree that upgrading and investing in our infrastructure is a major priority, with 87% voting to support Measure T1 in 2016, a $100 million general obligation bond for infrastructure improvements, and 85% supporting Measure R in 2018, an advisory measure to advance Vision 2050, a generational blueprint for transforming our infrastructure into the 21st century.
Phase 1 of the implementation of Measure T1 is nearing completion, with $40 million of the bond being spent across 39 projects between 2017-2022. An additional $23 million in grant and special funds were leveraged for these projects, meaning $63 million was spent upgrading critical infrastructure. This total does not include projects and maintenance undertaken by the Public Works Department during this timeframe.
What Has Been Completed?
The list of projects funded under Measure T1 comes after extensive community input, with almost 100 public meetings being held over the last four years. A complete list of projects can be found here. Below are the highlights:
A total of $11.7 million has been spent on parks, which includes approximately $6.8 million in Measure T1 funds, $3 million in Measure F tax proceeds, and $1.9 million from other sources. Measure F was a parcel tax approved in 2014 to support city parks and their maintenance. The biggest highlight is the award winning restoration of the Berkeley Rose Garden, re-dedicated on Mother’s Day 2021. The popular attraction had fallen into disrepair, but through these funds, the pergola was reconstructed, in addition to improvements to paths, tennis courts and other infrastructure. Community parks, such as San Pablo Park, Strawberry Creek Park, and George Florence Park have been equipped with new playgrounds, resurfaced sports courts, and accessibility improvements.
Green infrastructure is playing a more important role, with the need to adapt and be resilient in the face of a changing climate becoming an incredibly urgent priority. $4 million, including $3.8 million in T1 funds has been spent on various green infrastructure, including the installation of bioswales in Southside and West Berkeley. Several streets have undergone transformation including the incorporation of green infrastructure, such as Ward Street in Southwest Berkeley and Monterey Avenue in North Berkeley.
In addition to existing and recurring funds relating to street maintenance, Measure T1 has been used for major complete streets projects. Highlights include the reconstruction of University Avenue at the Marina. Almost a mile of Adeline Street, a significant thoroughfare in the heart of South Berkeley, has been improved, with safety and accessibility improvements to bicyclists, pedestrians, and buses. Parts of Hearst Avenue in Downtown, Euclid Street in North Berkeley, and West Street in Poets Corner have also been rehabilitated through T1.
City facilities play a vital role in providing services to the community and providing a space of refuge in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake. However, some buildings are not seismically safe, placing them in jeopardy of being unusable. Thanks to a $16.8 million investment from T1, in addition to $8.9 million in other funds, this is no longer the case. The Live Oak Community Center (opened in March 2021), and North Berkeley Senior Center (to open in March 2022) have undergone major renovations, complete with seismic retrofits and modernized interior and exterior building systems. Also completed last year was the award winning remodeling of the Adult Mental Health Services Center.
Several projects have undergone planning studies and conceptual designs financed by Measure T1. Highlights include proposed improvements and upgrades to park facilities, including the Willard Clubhouse, Frances Albrier Community Center & Pool, and the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex. Other notable projects in the planning stage include a new Berkeley Municipal Pier, revitalizing the Berkeley Civic Center, and a citywide restroom assessment.
What Will Phase 2 Focus On?
Phase 2, to take place between now and 2026, will spend the remaining $60 million on a wide range of improvements. The full list of projects was approved by the Council in December 2020. Highlights include improvements to critical city facilities, such as the fire stations that serve Downtown Berkeley and Northwest Berkeley, and improvements to the Corporation Yard, which is home to Berkeley’s vehicular fleet and over 100 Public Works employees. Several parks will get improvements, including Grove Park in South Berkeley, John Hinkel Park in Northeast Berkeley, and the Ohlone Greenway. More public restrooms will be created or improved, including at Cesar Chavez Park, the Channing Garage, Ohlone Greenway, the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex, and Willard Park. The creation of the African American Holistic Resource Center in South Berkeley, a major priority outlined in the Adeline Corridor Plan, will be funded in part by Measure T1. Various complete streets, sidewalk repairs, and related projects to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists will also take part. Improvements to stormwater infrastructure will be conducted to help alleviate flooding risks, a necessary action due to a changing climate that is resulting in stronger storms.
A full description of T1 projects, public process, program updates, project budgets, reports, audits, manuals, and project maps can be found on the City’s Measure T1 webpage. If you’re interested in receiving regular T1 updates, email T1@cityofberkeley.info.
The Future of Infrastructure in Berkeley
With much of the infrastructure in our city being built over 75 years ago, it is approaching the end of its useful lifespan. Aging infrastructure, in combination with exponentially worsening predictions of climate change impacts, could have serious consequences for Berkeley's future. While Measure T1 has addressed multiple infrastructure needs we face today, we need to prepare for growing climate change risks in the future, including rising sea levels, flooding and year-round wildfires. Doing so requires a plan that is resilient, adaptable, and takes into account emerging technologies and new materials. This is where Vision 2050 comes in. Approved by Berkeley voters in an advisory measure in 2018, Vision 2050 lays out the groundwork for Berkeley’s infrastructure plan over the next 30 years.
While Vision 2050 lays out what needs to be done to transform our infrastructure into the 21st century, none of this can be achieved without future funding mechanisms. Additionally, there is an estimated $1.2 billion in unfunded infrastructure needs. There is a growing consensus throughout the community of the need to address these issues, whether it will be improvements to our streets, our parks and waterfront, or our sewers and stormwater. In the coming months, we will be exploring options to make sure we have a path forward to meet the needs of our city’s infrastructure. Addressing infrastructure is among the top priorities for my office this year, and with your support, we can make sure our infrastructure meets the high standards that our residents deserve.