Vote YES on Measure F

Measure F: Questions and Answers

Straightforward information for Lincoln voters. November 3, 2026.

When you call 911 in Lincoln, the system behind that call has to work. We're the fire fighters who answer those calls, and we support Measure F because it could help protect essential services and expand emergency medical capabilities. Here's what the measure actually does, what it doesn't guarantee, and why we're asking for your support.

1. What is Measure F?

Measure F is a one-cent locally controlled revenue measure expected to generate approximately $6 million each year for the City of Lincoln. The measure identifies 911 emergency and medical response, police and fire protection, life-saving medical equipment, safe and clean streets and parks, among its priorities.1 As a general revenue measure, it can support other local services as well, and all Measure F revenue would be spent locally in Lincoln.1

2. Why do Lincoln fire fighters support Measure F?

Most calls we answer are medical emergencies, not fires.2 Under today's budget, expanding full-time paramedic and Advanced Life Support coverage is hard to do without pulling from other services.2 We support Measure F because it gives the City a locally controlled way to strengthen fire and emergency medical response. Final spending decisions rest with the City Council, and its members have committed to working with your fire fighters to keep Lincoln's families and small businesses safe.

3. Is Measure F dedicated only to the fire department?

No. Measure F is a general revenue measure, not a dedicated fire fund. The City Council keeps authority over future budget decisions. Public safety, fire and emergency medical response, police services, parks, and other local services are among the uses identified in the measure.

4. Why is Measure F being proposed now?

Lincoln's own five-year forecast shows the problem clearly: expenses are projected to keep outpacing revenue, with the fund balance reaching zero by fiscal year 2029-30 if nothing changes.2 Temporary Placer County funding that has helped sustain public safety services is expiring.2 Measure F is the locally controlled revenue solution the City Council has put before voters.

5. What has the City already done to control costs?

Lincoln has held non-emergency positions vacant, delayed major capital projects, phased out high-cost retiree medical benefits, established a pension trust, reduced reliance on outside consultants, and prioritized essential services.2 Those steps have stretched available dollars, but they haven't been enough to close the projected gap.2 In other words, this isn't a problem Lincoln can solve simply by trimming around the edges.

6. What public safety priorities could the revenue support?

Lincoln fire fighters have identified several priorities, including maintaining strong 911 emergency and medical response, adding trained paramedics and advanced life-saving equipment, and attracting and retaining qualified fire fighters and police officers.

Measure F provides general-purpose revenue, so final spending decisions will be made by the City Council through the public budget process. Council members have publicly identified and have committed to public safety as a priority.

The measure also includes independent citizen oversight, annual audits, and public disclosure of spending. Lincoln fire fighters will continue advocating for these public safety investments as future budgets are developed.

7. What could happen without additional revenue?

One of the biggest impacts could be on Lincoln’s ability to bring paramedic-level emergency medical care to the Fire Department. Today, Lincoln does not have the funding to expand its fire-based medical response to include trained paramedics and Advanced Life Support equipment.

Without additional local funding, that expansion could remain out of reach. The City would also face continued pressure to maintain current police and fire services, 911 emergency response resources, and the qualified public safety personnel Lincoln depends on.2

8. Does Measure F guarantee paramedics on every engine or faster response times?

Measure F is an important step toward supporting Lincoln’s public safety priorities, but it does not by itself guarantee a specific number of paramedics, a specific Advanced Life Support deployment model, or a specific response-time improvement.

The City Council has publicly identified public safety as a priority, and Measure F provides additional locally controlled revenue that helps support goals such as expanding paramedic capabilities and investing in emergency response resources. Final decisions on implementation and funding would continue to be made through the City’s public budget process.

Lincoln fire fighters will continue advocating for investments that strengthen emergency response and improve the level of service available to the community.

9. How would the public be able to see how the revenue is used?

Because Measure F provides general revenue, accountability is especially important. Measure F includes a citizen oversight committee, annual audits, and public spending disclosure.1

10. Will the revenue stay in Lincoln?

Yes. All Measure F revenue would be spent locally in Lincoln.1 That local control is part of why Lincoln fire fighters support the measure. It's Lincoln's money, staying in Lincoln, for Lincoln's decisions.

11. How long would Measure F remain in effect?

Measure F would remain in effect until ended by voters.1 There's no automatic expiration date built into the measure.

We answer Lincoln's emergency calls.
We're asking you to vote YES on Measure F on November 3, 2026.

Sources

  1. City of Lincoln, Measure F Ballot Question, November 3, 2026 election.
  2. Lincoln, CA Measure F White Paper: Securing Lincoln's Essential Public Services and Long-Term Fiscal Stability.

Prepared for public education by Lincoln fire fighters represented through Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522.

Paid for by Sustainable Communities, Sponsored by Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522.