Measure W, a 3/4 percent increase to the transactions and use tax, was approved by 57% of Whittier voters in March 2020 and went into effect on July 1, 2020. Local shoppers who pay .75 cents for every $100 purchase (excluding most groceries, prescription medications, and services) are helping to generate approximately $7 million dollars annually that helps fund important City services and enhance the quality of life in Whittier.

When surveyed, Whittier residents prioritized utilizing sales tax revenue for public safety needs, as well as addressing homelessness and coordinating housing opportunities for Whittier’s unhoused residents. In addition, the following services are also funded by Measure W:

• Maintaining a city-run Police Department, which ensures quick response times to Whittier emergencies, saving lives, and keeping our community safe
• Enhancing police services to support crime, gang, and drug prevention programs like safe and supervised activities to keep local youth engaged
• Putting more officers on the street and increasing neighborhood, park, and business patrols throughout the city
• Investing in early repairs of streets, sidewalks, and other infrastructure to continue to improve Whittier’s business community and avoid costly repairs in the future
• Ensuring adequate funding for parks, youth, and senior programs and enhancing quality of life in Whittier

Above are updated statistics on year-to-date Measure W revenues for October 2023 and how those funds are utilized to benefit the residents of Whittier.

For more information on Measure W projects and regular updates, please follow @whittiercitygov on social media and visit www.cityofwhittier.org.