Without the extension, the city’s transportation bureau faces a $32 million shortfall.

This month, voters in Portland, Oregon will decide whether to renew a local gas tax that would fund the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s road maintenance budget, reports Alex Zielinski for OPB.
“Voters first approved the 10-cent-per-gallon tax in 2016, to address a mounting road maintenance backlog. It was renewed in 2020. The tax has generated nearly $150 million for PBOT over eight years.” Zielinski explains that the tax funded pedestrian crossing signals, sidewalks, speed bumps, lighting, and other safety improvements on some of Portland’s most dangerous streets.
“If voters agree to extend the tax for four more years, it will generate just over $70 million to address street maintenance and safety projects. It includes $24 million for street paving, $9 million to improve pedestrian safety on busy streets, $6 million for potholes, and $4 million to maintain street lights and signals, among other projects.” Otherwise, PBOT faces a $32 million budget deficit and will likely have to cut down on services.
FULL STORY: Portland gas tax renewal goes to voters in May

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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