Measure U

Voters in November 2024 will have an opportunity to vote for or against a ballot initiative (Measure U) which significantly alters the new SLVWD rate structure adopted in early 2024.  If Measure U is enacted, SLVWD will be forced to begin the process of revising its rates anew in 2025 but with novel constraints on the fixed-charge portion.   These seemingly small changes will have significant near-term and long-term effects on our valley.

FSLVW believes that it is important for valley residents to understand both the origins and consequences of this initiative before casting their votes in November.  Proponents of Measure U promote it as a positive intervention on behalf of SLVWD ratepayers, but opponents see it as a reckless assault on the financial viability of the District and on the reliability of our water supply.

For the record, FSLVW is opposed to Measure U.  However, the primary goal of this web page is to provide valley residents with an accurate and complete explanation of the relevant underlying issues so they can make their own informed assessment:

What does Measure U do?

What is the current state of SLVWD?

What led to the new SLVWD rate structure?

What led to Measure U?

What are the problems with Measure U?

What are some superior alternatives to Measure U?

Links to other resources:

• Santa Cruz County Elections — Measure U

• No on Measure U

• Yes on Measure U

• Newspaper Articles:

  • Mountain Bulletin Commentary (Mark Dolson, Bob Fultz, Mark Dolson)

  • SLV Post (Jim Mosher)

  • SLV Post (Jayme Ackemann)

  • Santa Cruz Local