Light-Rail Expansion Not The Best Reason For New Tax

Poll shows that extending a 20-year transit tax is favorable for growth in Arizona, but many are skeptical about building more light-rail lines.

1 minute read

January 16, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

By Ambar Mukherjee


"'No part of the Valley that doesn't want light rail is being forced to have it,' Zuercher said. 'It's all part of a package and a comprehensive plan that gives a multitude of (transportation) options. If you want to pick out individual pieces, this plan falls apart.' People who fought against Phoenix's successful light-rail ballot measure in 2000 already are mounting a new anti-rail campaign. Last week, the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank, released a report calling light rail a waste of taxpayer money because too few people would use it."

Thanks to Ambar Mukherjee

Thursday, January 15, 2004 in The Arizona Republic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

March 10, 2025 - Smart Cities World

New York City city hall building.

Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?

The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.

16 minutes ago - Governing

Bird's eye view of coastal erosion next to a roadway in Sunset Cliffs, California.

‘Innovative DOT’ Guide Offers Path to Resilience for State DOTs

A new resource offers concrete recommendations for thriving in a changing transportation landscape, prioritizing a ‘fix it first’ approach to infrastructure maintenance.

1 hour ago - Transportation for America

Close-up of smart phone with USDOT website open.

USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations

A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.

March 13 - Smart Cities Dive

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.