Measure Z

On November 3rd, 2020, residents of the City of Lake Elsinore voted in favor of Measure Z, a locally controlled one-cent, or one percent, transactions and use tax to generate unrestricted general fund dollars to address City service, public safety and local recovery needs. Measure Z will ensure the City is self-reliant for current public safety needs and is prepared for any health or catastrophic emergency.

Nearly all of the sales tax generated locally goes to the State or the County. Measure Z requires all funds to be used in Lake Elsinore, ensuring that a higher percentage of sales tax dollars stay local for City services. By law, no Measure Z funds can be taken by the state, county or federal government.

View Election Results from November 3, 2020 (PDF)

Measure Z Citizen Committee

With the passing of Measure Z, the City was required to appoint a Measure Z Citizen Committee to review and advise upon the spending and use of Measure Z funding. The committee will provide financial transparency and ensure the funding is being used based on the priorities identified by the community. The committee will meet at least twice in a calendar year and will not receive compensation or stipends.

The Citizen Committee is comprised of five Lake Elsinore residents, each representing one of the City's five council districts, and the City Treasurer, serves in an ex-officio, non-voting position.

Current Members

  • District 1: Isreal Ceballos, Term through December 31, 2026
  • District 2: Lisa Orr, Term through December 31, 2025
  • District 3: Michele Munoz, Term through December 31, 2026
  • District 4: Timarie Wooley, Term through December 31, 2025
  • District 5: Jim Gist, Term through December 31, 2025
  • City Treasurer: Edwin Catro

Citizen Committee Meetings

For questions about applying for this committee in the future, please contact the City Clerk's Office.

Measure Z Community-Identified Priorities

In 2020, the City conducted a community satisfaction survey to determine residents' top service priorities. The following priorities were identified and will serve as the basis for all spending related to Measure Z:

  • Provide quick responses to 911 emergencies
  • Provide fire protection and paramedic services
  • Fix streets and sidewalks and repair potholes
  • Keep public areas clean, healthy, and free of graffiti
  • Reduce gang activity and drug-related crimes
  • Prepare for public health crises, wildfires, natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies

Measure Z Updates

Measure Z officially went into effect on April 1, 2021 updating Lake Elsinore's sales tax rate to 8.75%. All businesses were notified by the State Board of Equalization to change their sales tax rate appropriately.

The City did not start to receive funding from Measure Z until July. The City identified Measure Z funded projects based on the priorities identified by the community. These projects began at the start of the Fiscal Year, beginning July 1, 2021.

Key Projects

  • Collier Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation and Striping Project - Complete
  • The Avenues Pavement Rehabilitation Project - Complete
  • Additional Deputies and Patrol Hours - Complete
  • Additional 0.5 Animal Control Officers - Complete
  • New Code Enforcement Officer - Complete
  • New Traffic Engineer - Complete
  • Supportive Services at The Anchor - Complete
  • New and First Medic Squad - Staffing Complete, Awaiting New Truck
  • Downtown Active Transportation - Urban Greening (partially funded by Measure Z) - Underway
  • Pavement Rehab, Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk - Peck and Chestnut - Underway
  • Diamond Drive Pavement Rehab and Landscaping - Underway
  • Grape Street Pavement Rehab - Underway
  • Downtown Paving Project - Phase 3 - Starting Soon

The City will be providing updates on this page regarding planned expenditures and projects funded by Measure Z. Stay tuned for future updates.

If you have questions or concerns related to Measure Z, you may email the City or call 951-674-3124.