> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.albanyscanner.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Measure T proposes new tax for Albany trees, streetlights - URL: https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/22/elections/albany-measure-t-street-trees-streetlights-tax/ - Published: 2026-10-22T23:53:37.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-22T23:53:37.000Z - Description: Officials estimate an average cost of $12 per month for a house and $3 per month for a condominium. - Author: Allyson Aleksey - Tags: Elections, City, Ballot measures, Election 2026, #articles Albany wants to plant more street trees, improve [aging streetlights](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/14/city/albany-infrastructure-snapshot-sidewalks-paving-lighting/) and expand maintenance — but it needs more money to do it. [Measure T](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-clerk/documents/elections/2026-election/ballot-measures/full-text-of-measure/6-ord-2026-03-street-trees-streetlighting-tax-full-text.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com) on the November ballot would establish a new special parcel tax for this purpose, generating an estimated $775,000 annually, the city says. The measure requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass. Revenue would go into a new dedicated fund for street tree and streetlight improvements and maintenance, separate from the city's general fund. The tax would begin July 1, 2027, at a rate of $0.0354 per lot square foot, subject to annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index, capped at 3% per year. It would apply to the first 500,000 square feet of a taxable lot, according to the [city attorney’s impartial analysis](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/2/city-clerk/documents/elections/2026-election/ballot-measures/city-attorney-impartial-analysis/6-street-trees-streetlighting-parcel-tax-measure-c1.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com). The tax would remain in effect until repealed by voters. For accountability, the city's finance director would be required to submit an annual report to the City Council detailing tax revenue and expenditures. Under current city rules, adjacent [property owners are responsible for maintaining street trees](https://www.albanyca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Information-Policy/City-Tree-Policy?ref=albanyscanner.com). **Read more about [ elections](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/elections/) on Albany Scanner.** Measure T would provide funding for expanded city tree maintenance, but would not itself change property owners' responsibilities. The city has separately proposed [updating its street tree policy](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-clerk/documents/elections/2026-election/ballot-measures/street-trees-streetlighting-tax-presentation-slides-2026.07.06.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com). The City Council, in its [argument for Measure T](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-clerk/documents/elections/2026-election/ballot-measures/arguments-and-rebuttals/primary-arguments/measure-t-street-trees-streetlighting-parcel-tax-in-favor.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com), says Albany's existing resources are insufficient for proactive tree care, leaving it to respond only when trees develop "substantial problems." Officials say many parts of Albany have too few street trees. The city’s [Street Tree Management Plan](https://www.albanyca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Programs/Urban-Forestry?ref=albanyscanner.com) recommends more proactive maintenance to improve tree health and additional planting to expand the urban forest. The council argument also points to aging streetlights that are failing and intersections identified for lighting improvements in the city’s [Citywide Streetlighting Evaluation](https://www.albanyca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Programs/Citywide-Streetlighting-Evaluation?ref=albanyscanner.com), completed in 2024\. Officials say dedicated funding would help address lighting deficiencies on neighborhood streets. The proposed tax is a fair way to fund these improvements, council says. Officials estimate an average cost of $12 per month for a house and $3 per month for a condominium. Under the measure, qualifying very-low-income owner-occupants would be exempt, while qualifying low-income owner-occupants would receive a 50% discount. Eligible renters could also apply for similar rebates. Anyone seeking [exemptions or rebates](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/2/city-clerk/documents/elections/2026-election/ballot-measures/city-attorney-impartial-analysis/6-street-trees-streetlighting-parcel-tax-measure-c1.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com) would need to apply annually. No formal argument against Measure T was filed. **Read complete** [**election coverage**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/elections/) **on Albany Scanner, including our reporting on** [**all six local ballot measures**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/ballot-measures/)**.** *Have questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share story tips?* [*Here's how to reach us*](https://www.albanyscanner.com/tips/)*.* ## Sign up for Albany Scanner Stories for an informed community Get updates Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.