The Proposition A, Proposition C and Measure R Local Return programs are three one-half cent sales tax measures approved by Los Angeles County voters to finance a countywide transit development program.
By ordinance, Metro (Metro) is responsible for administering the programs and establishing guidelines. The Proposition A tax measure was approved in 1980, the Proposition C tax measure was approved in 1990 and Measure R was approved in 2008. Collection of the taxes began on July 1, 1982, April 1, 1991, and July 1, 2009 respectively, while each year, more than $1 billion is generated in local transportation revenue.
As a condition of voter approval, twenty-five percent (25%) of the Proposition A tax revenues, twenty percent (20%) of the Proposition C tax revenues and fifteen percent (15%) of Measure R tax revenues are earmarked for the Local Return Programs to be used by cities and the County of Los Angeles in developing and/or improving local public transit, paratransit and related transportation infrastructure.
Local Return funds are allocated and distributed monthly to jurisdictions on a "per capita" basis by Metro. Eligible expenditures are outlined in the Metro's Adopted Local Return Program Guidelines.
There are two sets of Guidelines, the Proposition A and Proposition C Local Return 2007 Guidelines and the Measure R Guidelines.
