After Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway proposed a $40 "wheel tax," otherwise known as a vehicle registration fee, the debate heated up about what the revenue could fund, or whether it's necessary at all.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway included a proposal for a $40 vehicle registration fee in the city's draft 2020 budget, calling the fee essential to fund projects in a city hamstrung by limits on property taxes.
"The vehicle registration fee is expected to generate $7.8 million, and that money has to go toward transportation services, as required by state law," according to an article explaining the proposal by Rose Schmidt.
The proposal immediately proved controversial, and some councilmembers have questioned the necessity of the proposed tax.
A follow up article by Jamie Perez provides more insight into that debate, especially about the potential for the new tax to reduce congestion by contributing revenue to the city's transit system. Madison's Metro Transit and the Madison Area Transit Planning Board already have public transit plans in mind, releasing a study for an East-West Bus Rapid Transit line earlier this year.
FULL STORY: Transportation expert says new bus rapid transit system would help decrease Madison's congestion
Madison Common Council Narrowly Approves Unpopular $40 Wheel Tax
Despite major opposition by residents, the Madison Common Council approved a $40 motor vehicle registration fee (aka 'wheel tax') on an 11-8 vote on Oct. 29 to help fund the city's new East-West Bus Rapid Transit system.
Dedicated Center Lane Planned for Madison Bus Rapid Transit
Some portions of the bus rapid transit (BRT) system planned for Madison, Wisconsin will resemble the fully realized BRT systems more common in other parts of the world.
Excerpt: How Individualism Harms Public Transit
Jarrett Walker calls for a more social approach to transit planning.
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