In 2025, 322 local measures appeared on ballots in the top 100 largest cities in the U.S. and in state capitals. This included citywide measures, countywide measures, special district measures, and school district measures.

The 322 local measures appeared in 29 different states on 21 different election dates. This is the highest number of local ballot measures for any odd-numbered year since Ballotpedia began tracking measures in the top 100 largest cities in 2018 and state capitals in 2021. Of these measures, 258 (80.1%) were approved, and 64 (19.9%) were defeated.

Texas had the greatest number of local ballot measures, 91, which is 28.3% of the total number within the largest cities and state capitals. Arizona had the second-highest number, with 40 measures. Louisiana had the third-highest amount, with 32 measures.

Local referrals are more common than initiatives—in 2025, 12 of the 322 local ballot measures tracked were initiated by citizens. Initiatives are placed on the ballot through signature drives. The remaining 310 measures were referred to the ballot by local legislative bodies, such as county boards, city councils, school boards, and special district boards.

The 322 local measures on the ballot in the top 100 largest cities and capitals addressed a variety of topics. The most common topics of local ballot measures in 2025 were bond measures—including city bonds, local school bonds, and district bonds. Other common topics included local property tax and local zoning, land use, and development.

Of the 322 local measures, 135 addressed bonds, including city, district, and local school bonds. Bond measures ask voters whether the government can borrow money by issuing bonds that will be repaid, with interest, over a set period. Of the 135 bond measures, 103 were approved, and 32 were defeated. In total, $14.6 billion was approved.