Lincoln Voters To Decide Measure F

Lincoln voters will decide this November whether to approve Measure F, a proposed one-cent local sales tax intended to provide additional funding for public safety and other city services.

Officially called the Lincoln Public Safety & Taxpayer Protection Measure, Measure F will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

If approved, the measure would add a 1% transactions and use tax on taxable purchases made within the city. The City of Lincoln estimates the tax would generate approximately $6 million annually.

According to the city, priorities identified for the additional revenue include maintaining 911 emergency response times, police and fire protection, retaining and attracting qualified police officers and firefighters, adding advanced life-saving equipment and trained paramedics, and keeping parks and public areas safe and clean.

The proposed tax would not apply to everything residents purchase. According to the city, it would not apply to rent, utilities, groceries or prescription medicine, and it is not a tax on homes or other property.

Where would the money go?

Although public safety is a major focus of the campaign for Measure F, the measure is structured as a local transactions and use tax for city government services.

The city says all revenue generated by the measure would remain in Lincoln. Measure F also includes provisions for citizen oversight, annual audits and public disclosure of spending.

The City Council placed the measure on the ballot following a community outreach effort that the city says included feedback from more than 1,500 residents and more than 30 community meetings.

What are supporters saying?

Supporters argue that Lincoln's continued growth is putting additional pressure on police, fire and emergency services. The city says Lincoln typically has only four police officers on patrol at a given time and says additional revenue could help prevent reductions in public-safety staffing and services.

An official argument in favor of Measure F has been submitted for the voter information materials.

As of the city's current election information, no official argument against Measure F was submitted for inclusion in those materials. That does not mean there is no organized opposition: the city's campaign-disclosure page lists a ballot-measure committee associated with Reform California as well as a committee sponsored by Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522.

What would it mean at the cash register?

A one-cent sales tax means an additional $1 for every $100 in taxable purchases.

For example, a $50 taxable purchase would cost an additional 50 cents, while a $500 taxable purchase would result in an additional $5 in tax.

When will Lincoln vote?

Measure F will appear on Lincoln ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election.

Lincoln voters will also elect City Council representatives in Districts 1 and 2. The city's current qualified candidates are Holly Andreatta and Christine Colvin Treshchuk in District 1, and Ben Brown and Spencer Short in District 2.

According to the City of Lincoln's current election page, Measure F requires a simple majority — 50% plus one of the votes cast — to pass.

Measure F gives Lincoln voters a direct decision over whether an additional local sales tax should be used to increase revenue available for public safety and other city services. Voters will make that decision on November 3.