Berkeley Voters Weigh Measure AA Proposal to Double Municipal Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax

Voters in Berkeley will decide this November whether to approve Measure AA, a municipal ballot initiative that would double the city tax on sugar-sweetened beverages from 1 cent to 2 cents per fluid ounce. Under the proposed rate adjustment, the levy on a standard twelve-ounce can of soda would increase from approximately 12 cents to 24 cents at local distribution points. Public health advocates argue the additional funding will strengthen youth nutrition and preventative care, while business groups contend the measure raises everyday consumer costs.

Berkeley became the first city in the United States to enact a municipal levy on sugary drinks when its original measure took effect in 2015, setting a precedent followed by several other jurisdictions before California prohibited local governments in 2018 from adopting new grocery taxes through 2030. Because Berkeley's ordinance was already established prior to the state moratorium, local voters retain the authority to modify the existing beverage distribution tax rate. Revenue from the proposed increase is designated for municipal water fountain upgrades, school gardens, and community health programs across the district.

Marice Ashe of the Measure AA Campaign Committee explained that 42 percent of the generated funding would be allocated to the Berkeley Unified School District to sustain school gardening and student nutrition programs. Another 42 percent of the revenue stream would support community health well-being grants, including medical care, dental services, and public health education administered alongside local county and nonprofit clinics. Supporters emphasize that sustained investment in childhood nutrition reduces long-term chronic disease rates across Alameda County.

Opponents, including the American Beverage Association and regional merchant advocates, urge residents to reject the tax hike during a period of elevated retail food prices. Julian Canete, president and chief executive official of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, argued that the beverage levy is ineffective, primarily benefits nonprofit organizations, and places an unfair financial burden on family-owned small businesses along neighborhood commercial corridors. Retailers along University Avenue and San Pablo Avenue have expressed concern that higher beverage costs could push shoppers toward neighboring East Bay cities.

Registered voters in Berkeley can review the full impartial analysis, fiscal impact report, and campaign committee arguments for and against Measure AA in their official Alameda County voter information guide or at berkeleyca.gov. Vote-by-mail ballots are currently being accepted at official county drop boxes across the city ahead of the November 3 election deadline. Questions regarding polling locations and voter registration may be directed to the Berkeley City Clerk department.