Measure U Community Advisory Commission Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Measure U Community Advisory Commission met on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:33 p.m. at Sacramento City Hall. The meeting included presentations from the Information Technology Department and Fire Department, a mid-year budget update, approval of a three-year community outreach strategy, and discussion of FY2026/27 budget recommendations. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the January 26, 2026 meeting minutes (File ID 2026-00096).
• Approved the updated Measure U Community Advisory Commission Agenda Log (File ID 2026-00250).
• Dissolved the 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Workplan Ad Hoc Committee (File ID 2026-00574).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lambert (multiple agenda items): Expressed skepticism that Measure U funds were presented as separate from the general fund when originally promoted; criticized the commingling of funds, stating it makes auditing difficult; questioned the diversity numbers presented by the Fire Department; praised Commissioner Cook's challenging of the system; urged fiscal responsibility and suggested auditing remote workers. He also shared a personal business success story about global exposure from a Super Bowl event.
• Lee (first-time attendee): Thanked the commission for their analysis and expressed concern that Measure U funds are not being spent as originally envisioned by voters; appreciated the commission's critical approach.

Discussion Items

• Overview of Measure U Funded Departments and Programs: Department of Information Technology – Staff presented on the three Measure U-supported programs: 311 operations (6 positions), IT regional support (0.25 FTE), and police body-worn camera support (0.25 FTE). Total annual Measure U contribution: approximately $450,685. Average 311 wait time reduced from 8 minutes 55 seconds (pre-2019) to 3 minutes 28 seconds after filling positions, and further to 2 minutes 6 seconds in the last 12 months. Commissioners asked about AI upgrades, call center consolidation, and public portal transparency. No public comments. The item was received, commented, and direction provided.
• Overview of Measure U Funded Departments and Programs: Fire Department Diversity, Outreach, and Recruitment Program – Assistant Chief Kim Iannucci presented that Measure U funding enabled operational capacity for workforce pipelines (youth and adult programs), leveraged $3.6 million in external grants, and improved diversity among recent hires (5% women, increased BIPOC representation). However, due to budget reductions in FY2025/26, programs like girls' camp and fire reserve were discontinued, and 2 staff positions were lost (total cut ~$900,000). Commissioners expressed support but questioned sustainability, cost per participant, and the impact of cuts on diversity goals. Public comment from Lambert criticized the diversity claims. The item was received, commented, and direction provided.
• Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 Budget Update and FY2026/27 Budget Development Process – Finance Director Pete Coletto reported that Measure U sales tax has flatlined post-inflation, with a projected $66.2 million deficit for FY2026/27. The city is asking departments for 15% reduction plans to provide options. Commissioners expressed frustration that Measure U funds are commingled with the general fund, making it difficult to track spending and hold departments accountable. Some members suggested that the commission should advocate for decoupling the funds or initiating a ballot measure. Public comment from Lambert and Lee echoed concerns about commingling and mismanagement. The meeting was extended past two hours (vote: 9-0-1 abstain). The item was reviewed, commented, and direction provided.
• Approval of the 2026-29 Three-Year Measure U Community Outreach, Engagement and Communications Strategy – Commissioner Novello presented a draft strategy developed by the ad hoc committee. After discussion, including suggestions to soften language regarding mandatory use of the Measure U logo and to add more specific budget line items, the commission voted to approve the strategy with minor modifications to be incorporated (motion by Commissioner Paschal, second by Commissioner Gerofsky). Public comment from Lambert urged fiscal responsibility. Vote: 9 yes (Cook, Gerofsky, Johnston, McGee, Miller, Novello, Paschal, Sala, Georgeoff), 0 no, 0 abstain, 4 absent (Frye-Lucas, Goris, Rosa, Smith). The strategy will guide commission outreach efforts.
• Development of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 Measure U Budget Recommendations – This standing item was deferred to the next meeting, with commissioners planning to review the city's budget work sessions starting March 3rd. No action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (9-0-4).
• IT Department presentation received; no formal vote.
• Fire Department presentation received; commissioners suggested asking departments to use the Measure U logo and signaled intent to advocate for restoring funding.
• Budget Update received; commissioners plan to participate in city budget work sessions and will discuss recommendations at the March 24th meeting.
• 2026-29 Outreach Strategy approved (9-0-4) with minor modifications to be finalized by the ad hoc committee.
• Budget Recommendations item continued to the next meeting.
• Commissioner Cook floated the idea of a citizen-initiated ballot measure to decouple Measure U funds from the general fund, requiring 30,000 signatures.
• The meeting was extended past two hours by a 9-0-1 vote (Frye-Lucas abstained).