In a recent special session held on July 24, 2025, the Atherton Town Council engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the future of Measure A, a local funding initiative primarily aimed at supporting streets and roads. The council's deliberations centered around the potential renewal of Measure A and its implications for funding Caltrain, amid concerns about regional transportation funding.

One of the key points raised during the meeting was the distinction between "Split C," which proposes extending Measure A without increasing taxes, and the funding of Caltrain through Measure A without a regional measure. Council members expressed confusion over whether these two funding strategies were equivalent. It was clarified that while both approaches aim to maintain the current funding levels of $120 million, their purposes differ significantly. Split C focuses on extending Measure A as it currently stands, while the alternative funding strategy involves reallocating funds to address a potential funding gap for Caltrain if a regional measure does not pass.

The council also discussed a recent survey conducted by EMC Research, which indicated a generally positive outlook among residents regarding the economy. However, concerns were raised about the survey's limited sample size of 2,400 respondents, with some council members noting they did not receive the survey. This raised questions about the reliability of the findings, particularly in light of changing economic conditions.

As the council prepares for the upcoming renewal of Measure A, set to expire in 2033, they are also considering the implications of opting into Senate Bill 63, which could affect local sales tax rates. The council is tasked with determining whether to support this bill and what conditions should accompany any potential opt-in, including accountability and efficiency metrics for the use of funds.

The discussions reflect a broader concern about balancing local transportation needs with the financial burden on residents. Council members emphasized the importance of ensuring that any changes to Measure A do not jeopardize the current funding for streets and roads, which amounts to approximately $170,000 annually.

As the council moves forward, they aim to clarify their position on these funding measures and ensure that any decisions made will effectively address the community's transportation needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential votes on these critical issues, shaping the future of transportation funding in Atherton.