An annual long-term forecast for OC Go, also known as Measure M, indicates that the Orange County voter-approved sales tax is expected to generate $11.6 billion for transportation improvements through 2041.
The new forecast, which is consistent with the preliminary forecast provided to the board in August, is 13.5% lower than last year’s forecast because of the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
MuniServices, which OCTA uses for short-term budgeting purposes, anticipates that unemployment and the correlated weak consumer confidence will remain barriers to strong sales tax performance over the next few years. It anticipates that sales tax will recover to fiscal year 2018-19 levels in 2023-24.
OCTA will continue to monitor the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on sales tax revenues, as well as OC Go projects and programs, to ensure that all promises to voters are kept.