County commissioners had approved a one-cent sales tax measure to improve roads and transit throughout the county, but MPO members, dominated by city representatives, prefer an undefined infrastructure tax with a majority of funds returned to cities.
A post last month indicated that a 30-year, one percent transportation sales tax initiative was approved 7-1 on April 12 by the Broward County Commissioners, "comprised of nine members elected by district in partisan elections", and could be on the November ballot pending further government approvals.
Funds would have gone to a "broad range of projects include miles of light rail transit, roadway construction, sidewalks, greenways and neighborhood transit centers."
A few days later, the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, a much larger, more inclusive governmental entity composed of "elected officials who represent the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, the 31 Broward municipalities, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA/Tri-Rail) and the Broward County School Board," approved "the framework of a deal between Broward County and the Broward MPO," according to the MPO.
But on May 5, the MPO rejected the measure by 21–4. "The county effort fell apart as cities complained the transportation proposal was vague and didn't guarantee the cities enough direct money," writes Brittany Wallman, the Sun Sentinel's county government reporter.
It's unclear what the cities would spend the infrastructure surtax on. Sixty percent of the new revenue would flow to the cities and 40 percent to the county.
What's interesting here is that on a county level, transit fared relatively well, leaving the bus vs. rail debate aside. Cities would have received about 30 percent of the estimated $12.6 billion over 30 years. But that apparently didn't please most of the 31 cities that are represented in the county MPO that needed to approve the measure; they want more revenue going to them.
It will be interesting just what type of infrastructure projects the Broward County MPO wants placed on the November ballot. Hopefully the county commissioners will work out a deal to ensure that county level transit receives their fair share of revenue for the benefit of all county residents.
Hat tip to Planetizen reader, David Daniels.
FULL STORY: Broward transportation sales tax initiative appears to be deadS
Broward County, Florida to Select from Four Sales Tax Options on November Ballot
They could opt for a one percent, 30-year infrastructure tax, a .75 percent, 20-year transportation sales tax, approve both, or reject both. The two competing measures arise from differences between the county's 31 cities and county commissioners.
Broward County, Florida Advances One-Cent Transportation Sales Tax
A one-cent transportation sales tax took a major step forward to being placed on the Broward County November 2016 ballot with the 7-1 approval of the Broward County Commission. It now goes to the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Broward County Voters Approve One Sales Tax Measure but Reject Another; Neither Passes
Had it not been for the political compromise that enabled it to be placed on the ballot, voters would have narrowly passed a county transportation sales tax measure. In neighboring Palm Beach County, a straight-forward sales tax measure passed.
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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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