Idaho state law prevents local voters from implementing the sales taxes that generate revenue to match federal funding for transportation projects, taking local and regional projects out of the running for many federal grant programs.

Kevin Fixler reports on a dilemma facing transportation planners in Idaho as Congress considers the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act.
If the funding package passes and becomes law, it would guarantee Idaho billions of dollars over the next five years toward roads, bridges and other major infrastructure projects. Tens of millions of dollars for expansions of the state’s broadband internet and electric vehicle charging networks are also part of the hefty package, as is almost $200 million toward public transit improvements, according to a White House fact sheet.
Fixler notes that the earmarking process has already aquired funding for a host of projects around the state, including the Treasure Valley improvement project, which "imagines installing passenger shelters and bus pullouts, as well as real-time electronic route information at stops, to help build upon Valley Regional Transit’s ridership."
However, another list of projects that could potentially be funded by the federal infrastructure bill is off the table, due to a state law that prohibits local voters from implementing local sales taxes to to fund services, including transportation.
Matt Stoll, executive director of COMPASS, the region’s transportation planning agency, said this factor is the primary reason why expansions of the Treasure Valley’s public transit network remain stuck in neutral. The statewide shortcoming also prevents agencies such as VRT from applying for grants and other competitive pots of federal money to support the system, because the agency does not have the matching funds — from 20% up to 50% of the award — it needs to qualify.
The article includes more details on the state of transportation funding in a state that grew by 17 percent in the past decade, according to 2020 Census data.
FULL STORY: Idaho law limits how infrastructure bill can aid transit, leaves future riders waiting

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