Berkeley · Tax measure · Nov 3, 2026
Measure AA: Sugar-sweetened beverage special tax initiative
Measure AA is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot in Berkeley. This page summarizes the official documents; every statement links to its source, and we take no position on how you should vote.
The question on your ballot
“Shall the measure replacing the City's $0.01 per fluid ounce general tax on the distribution of sugar-sweetened beverages with a $0.02 per fluid ounce special tax to fund public health, nutrition, and drinking water accessibility programs by nonprofits, the City, or Berkeley Unified School District, retaining current exemptions for small retailers, milk products, baby formula, alcoholic beverages, and medical and weight-loss products, estimated to generate approximately $2,200,000 annually, until repealed by the voters, be adopted?”A YES vote means
This measure would replace Berkeley's existing $0.01 per fluid ounce general tax on the distribution of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) with a $0.02 per fluid ounce special tax.
A NO vote means
A NO vote would not replace Berkeley's existing $0.01 per fluid ounce general tax on the distribution of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) with a $0.02 per fluid ounce special tax.
What it takes to pass
It requires a majority vote for passage.
The money
The tax is estimated to raise approximately $2,200,000 annually, an increase of approximately $1,000,000 over revenue from the City's current SSB tax.
Tax proceeds would be placed in a special fund and dedicated to specified public health, nutrition, and drinking water projects and programming.
If the measure passes, tax collection would begin April 1, 2027.
How it got on the ballot
This measure was placed on the ballot by an initiative petition signed by the requisite number of registered voters in the City of Berkeley.
Read the official documents
Neighbor opinions
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Keep going on your Berkeley ballot
- City Council, District 1: 5 candidates
- City Council, District 4: 2 candidates
- City Council, District 7: 2 candidates
- City Council, District 8: 4 candidates
- Measure U: General obligation bond for public infrastructure and facilities
- Measure V: Transactions and use (sales) general tax
- Measure W: Charter amendment on election and administrative provisions
- Measure X: Amendments to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance
- Measure Y: Arts parcel tax initiative
- Measure Z: Public bank parcel tax initiative
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