Mammoth’s Measure R. Secure funding for local trails, parks and recreation
Measure R is the Mammoth Lakes initiative to raise and secure a stable funding source for local trails, parks, and recreation. On Tuesday, June 3, 2008, Mammoth’s Measure R passed with a majority vote of the community.
Mammoth’s Measure R:
- Reliable funding guaranteed for local parks, trails, and recreation.
- Funded in large part by visitors to Mammoth Lakes
- Benefiting local workers and local businesses through increased tourist dollars.
- An investment in strengthening our local economy and our community.
- Control of our recreation infrastructure by the people of Mammoth Lakes, not outside interests.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Measure R?
Meausre R is the Mammoth Lakes initiative to raise a secure and stable funding source for local trails, parks, and recreation.
Why was Meaure R placed on the ballot?
The Tourism and Recreation Commission unanimously recommended that the Town Council place Measure R on the ballot as a way to secure an ongoing funding source for the development and maintenance of Mammoth’s trails, parks, and recreation.
How sill Measure R secure new funding for local trails, parks, and recreation?
Measure R will increase the local sales tax by one half of one percent. That increased revenue, by law, can only be used for the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the recreation infrastructure of Mammoth Lakes.
Will tourists in Mammoth Lakes have to pay the additional sales tax?
Yes. In fact, the great majority of the sales tax revenue in Mammoth Lakes comes from tourist dollars.
Will Measure R hurt local businesses?
No. In fact, Meaure R is endorsed by the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce, as well as many local businesses. They know that recreation is the engine that drives our local tourism-based economy, and that the investment in the recreation infrastructure of Mammoth Lakes will increase tourist-generated dollars.
How much will Measure R raise for local trails, parks, and recreation in Mammoth Lakes?
It’s estimated that Measure R will secure an additional on million dollars per year to create, improve, and maintain local trails, parks, and recreation infrastructure here in Mammoth Lakes.
Can Measure R funding be spent on affordable housing, child care , or transportation?
No. Funding secured through Measure R can only be used for local trails, parks, and recreation.
Will Measure R funds be funneled into the Town’s General Fund?
No. Measure R funds must remain separate and, by law, can only be used for local trails, parks, and recreation. The town Council has no opportunity to use Measure R funds for anything other than trails, parks, and recreation.
Can Measure R funds be used outside of Mammoth Lakes?
Measure R funds can only be used for trails, parks, and recreation managed by the Town of Mammoth Lakes. This will give our community control over exactly where and how Measure R funding is used.
Following are some endorsements by Mammoth locals in support of Measure R:
Measure R will set Mammoth Lakes apart by enabling our town to serve as a showcase for outdoor recreation where careful planning and environmental stewardship enhance local parks and trails. - Andrea Mead Lawrence, ALIMAR Foundation, President
Measure R will help to secure a continuous funding source for our most precious amenity: recreation. Our recreation infrastructure will be controlled by our community, but paid for largely by tourists. - Eric Wasserman, Chamber of Commerce, President
Measure R simply increases the local sales tax by one half of one percent, and guarantees that the increase will be dedicated to building and maintaining our local trails, parks, and recreation. - Christian Pondella, Adventure Sports Photographer
Legally, Measure R funds cannot be put into the Town’s General Fund. It will be a dedicated source of financing to build and improve Mammoth’s trails, parks, and recreation infrastructure. - Dr. Michael Karch, US Ski Team Physician
By investing in local trails, parks, and recreation, we’ll be investing in one of our community’s greatest assets. It’s an asset that we all use and cherish, and it’s an investment in local jobs and businesses. - Brian Hamilton, Outdoor Recreationist