Critics of a proposed $1.3 billion transportation levy say the package isn’t enough to keep up with inflation and rising costs and fails to support a shift away from car-oriented infrastructure.
Safe streets advocates in Seattle are calling on the city to propose a larger transportation levy to fund pedestrian safety and Complete Streets projects, arguing that the currently proposed $1.3 billion levy is “hardly enough to maintain the status quo, much less invest in new initiatives, especially once construction cost inflation is factored in.”
Erica C. Barnett describes the issue in PubliCola, noting that “the graphics-heavy proposal is noticeably light on specifics, the balance of spending categories skews heavily toward car-oriented projects, including road repairs, new pavement ‘on our busiest streets,’ and bridge maintenance, including upgrades and planning for the replacement of the Ballard and Magnolia Bridges.”
The new proposal cuts spending for transit connections, pedestrian projects, and freight mobility. Meanwhile, pedestrian and traffic deaths have been rising since the city adopted of a Vision Zero pledge in 2015. If the city installs sidewalks at the rate proposed in the plan, it would take 400 years to complete the city’s sidewalk network.
According to Barnett, “Polling by the mayor’s office revealed that voters would have approved a $1.7 billion levy—the highest level tested—but Harrell opted to go for a status-quo renewal, prompting many advocates to question why (and push for a more ambitious plan).”
FULL STORY: Advocates Urge City to Adopt More Ambitious, Less Car-Centric Transportation Levy
Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners
Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.
Commentary: New Bill Holds Key to Solving US Housing Crisis. We Just Have to Pass It.
Two bills currently moving through Congress could make mass production of prefabricated, affordable housing possible on a large scale.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Denver Slaughterhouse Measure Reveals Impacts of Meat Industry
Voters did not approve a measure that would have closed a slaughterhouse that is key to the nation’s lamb production.
Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Chicago Transit Authority is close to returning both rail and bus service to pre-pandemic schedules, with some adjustments for new travel demand.
Baltimore Traffic Suffering From Absence of Key Bridge
The loss of a key route to the Port of Baltimore is causing major delays and long detours on alternate routes.
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.
University of Southern California
City of Meridian
University of Calgary
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Detroit Regional Partnership
San Joaquin LAFCo
City of South Portland