While sales tax increases have proven popular, road tolls and other user fees are better methods to fund transportation improvements, says transportation expert Martin Wachs.
Speaking to a group of transportation planners gathered at the University of Arizona, Martin Wachs, director of transportation, space and technology for the Rand Corporation remarked that while half-cent transportation sales tax increases are popular, they aren't necessarily practical.
Wachs, a former city and regional planning professor at University of California-Berkeley, said that the people paying for the sales tax aren't necessarily the ones who benefit from new roads and road improvements.
"Charging a fee to those who use the roads, such as a road-use toll, is more practical because it forces the people who drive to pay for improvements, Wachs said."
"The changing nature of transportation finance is going through a 'quiet revolution' he said, as more and more communities make changes to their funding mechanisms, but the transportation industry as a whole is not debating these changes, he said."
FULL STORY: Transportation expert says sales taxes aren't always best fundraiser

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.

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.

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.

The Unseen Aftermath: Wildfires’ Lasting Health and Emotional Burden
Wildfires in Los Angeles not only pose immediate physical health risks but also lead to long-term respiratory problems and mental health struggles, underscoring the need for a coordinated public health response to mitigate their lasting effects.

Public Parks as Climate Resilience Tools
Designed with green infrastructure, parks can mitigate flooding, reduce urban heat, and enhance climate resilience, offering cost-effective solutions to environmental challenges while benefiting communities.

What the Proposed Federal Budget Means for Transit, Rail
The proposed FY 2025 budget keeps spending for public transit and passenger rail essentially the same as in 2024.
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.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research