Proposition 5: Allows Local Bonds for Affordable Housing and Public Infrastructure With 55% Voter Approval. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
Summary
Proposition 5 is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment that changes the rules in the California Constitution for approving particular local government general obligation bonds. It also requires local governments to monitor the use of revenues in specific ways. The proposition lowers the voter approval requirement from two-thirds to 55 % if the bonds fund housing assistance or public infrastructure. The proposition requires local governments and citizens’ oversight committees to supervise spending and monitor performance audits.
Fiscal Impact
Local general obligation bonds would require a lower voter approval requirement under Proposition 5. This could cause a greater percentage of local bond measures to pass. This could increase the funding available for housing assistance and public infrastructure. If local voters approve more bonds, local governments would have additional borrowing costs. This would likely cause a rise in property taxes to pay the debt.
What your vote means
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain local bonds and related property taxes could be approved with a 55 percent vote of the local electorate, rather than the current two-thirds approval requirement. These bonds would have to fund affordable housing, supportive housing, or public infrastructure.
A NO vote on this measure means: Certain local bonds and related property taxes would continue to need approval by a two-thirds vote of the local electorate.
Official Voter Information
California Secretary of State, Text of Proposed Laws, Prop. 5 begins on page 94
California Secretary of State and State Attorney General, Voter Information Guide, Summary Analysis of Prop. 5
California Secretary of State,Quick Reference Guide Prop. 5
California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide Prop. 5
California Legislative Analyst's Office, Proposition 5
California Secretary of State, Cal-Access, Cal-Access Campaign Finance Activity Prop. 5
California Secretary of State, Cal-Access:Campaign Contributions for Proposition 5
California Fair Political Practices Commission, November 2024 General Election Top Contributors Lists
Non-partisan Voter Information
CalMatters Prop. 5 Explained (video)
Explicación de la Proposición 5 en las elecciones de California de 2024 (video)
Project for an Informed Electorate Sacramento State, Prop. 5 PIE Initiative Explainer (video)
Public Opinion Polls
Public Policy Institute of California Statewide Survey, Sept. 2024
Public Policy Institute of California Statewide Survey, Oct. 2024
Pro/Con Statements
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Proponents of Proposition 5 believe the measure will give local voters more control over housing and infrastructure project funding. They claim the proposition will shift policy and spending decisions away from the state government allowing for a better sense of autonomy. Proponents point to the measure’s accountability provisions including the requirement to document the types of projects to be funded, caps administrative costs, and independent performance and financial audits of spending must be posted publicly and reviewed by the State Auditor. Supporters claim the measure trusts local voters to know what’s best for their own communities when faced with housing shortages and infrastructure problems. |
Opponents believe Proposition 5’s change to voter approval rules will allow cities, counties and special districts to increase property taxes. They claim that increasing the debt burden on state citizens is wrong, given that the income, sales, and gas taxes are the highest in the nation. Opponents claim property tax hikes will lead to higher rents for renters, and will impact consumers when they pay for a wide range of products and services. |
| Supporters | Opponents |
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