Seattle would join cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. in taxing rides with companies like Uber and Lyft. Seattle would use some of that revenue to fund affordable housing projects.
David Kroman reports from Seattle: "Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Wednesday that she would like to raise about $25 million a year by increasing the tax on Uber and Lyft rides, revenue she said would go toward building affordable housing, closing the funding gap on the city’s new downtown streetcar and setting up a new resource for drivers to resolve disputes with the rideshare companies."
The proposal is included in Mayor Durkan's 2020-2021 budget proposal, expected for public presentation early next week. Spokespeople for ride-haling companies Uber and Lyft have spoken publically in opposition to the proposed tax. "But local labor, transportation and housing advocates cheered the move," according to Kroman.
The new tax would be expected raise 24 million in its first year, and increasing amounts in subsequent years. According to Kroman, Seattle's ride-hailing tax would be relatively high compared to other cities that have implemented a similar policy. The article includes a lot more detail about the types of projects and programs the new tax would fund.
FULL STORY: Seattle mayor proposes about $25M a year in taxes on Uber and Lyft
Seattle Raising Taxes on Uber and Lyft Rides
A new 57-cent tax will help fund affordable housing and a few transportation programs in Seattle.
Uber and Lyft Reveal Seattle-Area Trip Data
After a court battle, the two big transportation network companies finally released trip data, revealing rapid growth and a concentration of rides in the city's most congested areas.
Seattle Transit Winning Back Riders Faster Than Ridehailing
Ridehailing companies saw a steep drop in ridership in the city during the pandemic, followed by a slow recovery as their prices increase and demand slows.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions