Voters Approve Measure H to Fund Improvements at Hancock

NOVEMBER 13, 2026- Voters in the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District have approved Measure H, authorizing up to $290 million in locally controlled general obligation bonds to build, upgrade and modernize facilities at the college.

According to the latest unofficial election results from the Santa Barbara County Elections Division, nearly 60% of voters supported the measure, exceeding the 55% threshold required for passage. While ballots are still being counted, the measure has secured enough votes to pass. Official election results are expected to be certified in early December.

Measure H received broad bipartisan support from local elected officials, community leaders, tax associations and residents throughout northern Santa Barbara County.

The funding will allow Hancock to address aging infrastructure, modernize classrooms and career training facilities and expand educational opportunities for students pursuing university degrees and careers in high-demand fields.

"We are deeply grateful to our community for its continued investment in Hancock and, most importantly, in the students we serve," said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. "This funding represents a tremendous responsibility, and we will work to ensure every dollar is spent responsibly and transparently on projects that strengthen our facilities, support student success and serve our communities for generations to come."

With Measure H's passage, Hancock will move forward with the next phase of planning, which includes identifying and prioritizing projects eligible for bond funding based on facility conditions, educational needs and the college's long-term Facilities Master Plan.

Among the projects expected to receive priority consideration are the development of a University Center, improvements to facilities supporting Hancock's nursing and healthcare education programs and critical repairs and upgrades to campus infrastructure.

The University Center will expand opportunities for students to earn four-year bachelor's degrees locally through partnerships with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and California State University Channel Islands. Improvements to nursing and healthcare training facilities will support programs preparing students for careers in the region's healthcare workforce.

Additional bond projects include: modernizing classrooms, laboratories and career training spaces; repairing plumbing and electrical systems; and improving campus safety, accessibility and technology. The college will evaluate project priorities, timelines and funding availability as it develops a phased implementation plan.

“This is an important moment for the future of Hancock, and the Board of Trustees looks forward to working with college leadership to carefully prioritize projects that address our most pressing needs, expand educational opportunities and ensure Hancock remains a place where future generations can learn, grow and succeed," said Board of Trustees President Dr. Suzanne Levy. "We are especially grateful to the many dedicated volunteers who gave their time and energy to help make this possible."

Measure H also includes strict fiscal accountability requirements. All bond funds must remain under local control and be used for authorized college facilities projects. An independent citizens’ oversight committee will monitor bond expenditures, and the college will be subject to annual independent financial and performance audits and public reporting requirements. Bond funds cannot be used for administrator salaries, pensions or other operating expenses.

Hancock serves students throughout northern Santa Barbara County, including Santa Maria, Lompoc, Guadalupe, Cuyama and the Santa Ynez Valley. For more than a century, the college has provided affordable higher education, university transfer opportunities and workforce training to local residents.

For more information about Measure H and the college's facility planning efforts, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/localfunding.