The Michigan legislature compromised on a plan to raise money for state transportation funding. Instead of increasing the fuel tax, voters will consider an increased sales tax that exempts the fuel tax.
"Michigan lawmakers, working through the night, have approved plans for a statewide ballot proposal that could yield $1.2 billion a year in new funding for roads and bridges," reports Jonathan Oosting.
"The cornerstone of the package, a proposed constitutional amendment to increase the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent, passed the House in a 94-16 vote. It initially stalled in the Senate but was successful in a second vote, 26-12."
The example of Michigan was recently the focus of recent coverage by NPR of Republican governors exploring new taxes to fund transportation to fill the void left by the federal government. The vote by the Michigan legislature culminated a political process once thought to be a long shot.
The approved legislation includes one key change from earlier discussions of the tax, when Governor Rick Snyder was pushing for the state to increate the fuel tax. However, according to Oosting's coverage, "[the] ballot proposal would also exempt motor fuel from the sales tax…"
FULL STORY: Michigan lawmakers approve road funding deal, send tax proposal to statewide ballot
The Advocacy Coalition Behind Minnesota’s Transit Funding Victory
The Minnesota State Legislature recently approved one of the most significant funding bills ever devoted to transit at the state level. The bill required rare political alignment and a new brand of advocacy.
Colorado Voters to Decide How to Fund Roads on Election Day
Two transportation bonding initiatives will appear on the ballot on Nov. 6: A $3.5 billion measure would have debt repayments come from the general fund, while a $6 billion initiative would create a revenue stream by hiking sales taxes.
Election Roundup: Planning's Big Day at the Ballot Box
Beyond the headline-grabbing presidential election, many states and localities voted on issues critical to the planning profession.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service