For the Economic Development Committee Meeting of October 30, 2025
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Christina Taylor, Community Development Director
FROM: Matt Bennett, City Engineer
Title
Request Economic Development Committee Review and Comments Regarding Future Measure I Projects.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Measure I is a half-cent sales tax collected throughout San Bernardino County and dedicated to transportation improvements. Measure I was first approved by San Bernardino County voters in November 1989 to address countywide transportation needs; the Measure was set to expire in 2010. In 2004, voters approved an extension of the Measure I sales tax until 2040.
To be eligible for Measure I Local Streets projects, the SBCTA Board of Directors has established guidelines. These guidelines state that projects can include roadway improvements, general maintenance, and pavement management programs. General maintenance expenditures cannot exceed 50% of the annual allocation, and any single expenditure of $100,000 or more must be listed separately in the plan. Total annual expenditures cannot exceed 150% of the forecasted annual revenue and prior-year fund balance.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Recently, SBCTA staff requested a project list from the City outlining future eligible Measure I projects.
To ensure project continuity and completion, the City programs Measure I revenue for both immediate and long-term initiatives, with provisions for budget carryover from fiscal year to fiscal year. This approach enables the strategic execution of complex projects spanning multiple years while maintaining compliance with SBCTA requirements.
Most projects are scheduled for completion within the five-year planning horizon, though the carryover provision ensures adequate funding flexibility for unforeseen circumstances. Measure I represents a comprehensive investment in Rialto's transportation infrastructure and has provided full or partial funding for the recent projects listed below:
Capital Project Improvements:
• Street Overlay Pepper Avenue Joint Project with City of San Bernardino (Lead) Street Pepper-Baseline/City Limits
• Merrill Avenue Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
• Sycamore Avenue Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
• Cedar Avenue and Merrill Avenue Left Turn Phasing Project (HSIP 11)
• Locust Avenue Widening
• Pacific Electric Trail Extension
• Frisbie Middle School Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
• Bemis Elementary School Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
• Linden Avenue Widening
• Traffic Signal Installation: Cactus Avenue and Easton Avenue- Cooperative Agreement with San Bernardino County
• Pavement Management System FY 25/26
• Safe Routes to School Improvements- Multiple Segments (New in FY 2025/2026)
• Citywide Traffic Signal Upgrades (New in FY 2025/2026)
• Dollahan Elementary Traffic Signal Upgrades (HSIP 12) (New in FY 2025/2026)
• Lilac Avenue and Summit Avenue Widening (HSIP 12) (New in FY 2025/2026)
• Smart Corridor: Riverside Avenue (New in FY 2025/2026)
The City of Rialto currently has an estimated carryover balance of $4,083,572 in the Measure I Local Street fund and anticipates $2,687,707 in new revenue for FY 2025/2026. The City of Rialto intends to utilize Measure I funds for streets and right-of-way maintenance programs, street reconstruction, and improvements. The majority of projects are structured for implementation within the five-year planned schedule. A list of Priorities from 2025/2026 through 2029/2030 is included as Attachment 1.
SBCTA has requested a project list from the City outlining future eligible projects that would be funded by Measure I through 2030 to 2040. City staff have compiled a list of potential projects that will benefit not only the residents and visitors of Rialto but also the region.
Regional Priorities:
• I-10 Riverside Avenue
• Riverside Avenue Widening South of Slover Avenue to City Limits
• Riverside Avenue North of Baseline Road Pavement Management
• Slover Avenue Roadway Improvements and Pavement Management from Riverside Avenue to Westerly City Limits
• Valley Boulevard Pavement Management
• Pepper Avenue North of Baseline to City Limits
Program Planning:
• Safe Streets for All Action Plan
• Citywide Minor Street Improvements
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the EDC receive the update and provide any comments.
Attachments:
1. FY 2025/26 - FY 2029/30 Priority list