Get Public Support for Transportation Projects By Giving Them Jobs

Seattle needs major revisions to its transportation infrastructure, according to local officials. Getting the public behind the expensive projects may be as simple as saying one word: jobs.

1 minute read

November 24, 2008, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"Legislative leaders may have a way to build support for replacing the deteriorating Alaskan Way Viaduct and Highway 520 bridge: Call it a jobs package."

"'There's no question it's a jobs bill,' said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. 'If you want to create jobs, you build something. It's a no-brainer.'

"There will be a lot more talk like that in the coming weeks and months as the Legislature grapples with two essential transportation projects that cost billions of dollars - at a time when a recession appears unavoidable and the state operating budget has a $5 billion hole."

"That's the shortfall lawmakers will have to close when they start crafting a new two-year budget in January. It will mean deep and likely agonizing cuts in state spending - but not when it comes to transportation projects."

Friday, November 21, 2008 in The Seattle Times

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Workers putting down asphalt on road.

U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause

A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.

April 18, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Texas

Dallas Surburb Bans New Airbnbs

Plano’s city council banned all new permits for short-term rentals as concerns about their impacts on housing costs grow.

56 minutes ago - FOX 4 News

Divvy Chicago

Divvy Introduces E-Bike Charging Docks

New, circular docks let e-bikes charge at stations, eliminating the need for frequent battery swaps.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog Chicago

Freeway sign with "severe weather - use caution" over multilane freeway in rainy weather.

How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience

In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.

2 hours ago - Transportation for America

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.