The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) has adopted the 2026 population estimates that will be used to distribute Measure I Local Street Projects funds and several other state and federal transportation programs. These estimates help ensure that every community in San Bernardino County receives its fair share of funding based on its population and growth.
Measure I, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax that supports transportation improvements across the county, relies on population data to determine how much each city and unincorporated area receives for local street projects. In the Valley region, the distribution is based entirely on population. In the Mountain/Desert area, it is based on a mix of population and local tax generation. Accurate population estimates help make sure these dollars are allocated fairly and reflect real world needs in every part of the county.
The State Department of Finance (DOF) produces annual population estimates using data such as births, deaths, school enrollment, housing construction, and migration. Local agencies also contribute information on new housing units, annexations, and changes in group-living facilities like dorms and military housing. SBCTA works with the County Demographic Research Unit to break down the unincorporated population into the appropriate Measure I subareas.
With no major shifts in population this year, Measure I allocations are expected to remain stable. Any adjustments will be applied retroactively to January 1, 2026. While this item does not change SBCTA’s budget, it keeps funding formulas accurate and transparent.
This annual update is another example of how Measure I continues to work in the background to deliver reliable, community-focused transportation investment across San Bernardino County.