Phoenix's Future on the Ballot

Jessica Boehm explains the two ballot propositions under consideration in Phoenix with the potential to dramatically alter the planned course of the city.

The first proposition, Prop 105, is essentially an anti-transit bill. Somewhat confusingly, a yes vote on Prop 105 is a no vote on transit. "If voters approve Proposition 105, Phoenix must cancel all light-rail extensions and divert the city money it would have used to build them to other transportation projects, like street repairs or bus service," explains Boehm.

The voters of Phoenix have supported long-term transit planning, and funding, in the past. A yes vote on Prop 105 wouldn't end the sales tax that's generating the $31.5 billion to fund the projects in Phoenix's 35-year transportation plan, explains Boehm. Proposition 105 just ensures that money won't be spent on light rail.

Proposition 105 gained some notoriety this week when a Netflix show, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, mentioned the involvement of the Koch brothers-funded Americans for Prosperity in the effort to get the proposition on the ballot. 

Boehm's coverage includes information about the organizations and politicians supporting and opposing the proposition and details about how a yes vote would alter the direction of transportation planning in the city.

Boehm also explains the details of Proposition 106 in the same article. Prop 106 would limit spending, including funding for capital investment and maintenance. The cap would be assessed in relation to an annual assessment of the city's pension liabilities. Currently, 10 percent of the city's budget is devoted to paying its pension debt.

"Proposition 106 would require the city to pay more each year, with the goal of paying off the debt sooner. That will require the city to cap its spending on other city services, such as libraries or park programs," according to Boehm.