Exploring alternative road funding options is a priority for Michigan legislators to make up the state’s road funding gap.
Michigan lawmakers are considering replacing the state’s 27.2 cents-per-mile gas tax with a mileage-based road usage fee, according to an article from Bridge Michigan. Democrats in the State House and Senate have added $5 million to proposed $6.8 billion transportation budget bills for a pilot program, reports Lauren Gibbons.
“Under the Senate proposal, the state would create a 19-member technical advisory committee that would help design a pilot program for the Michigan Department of Transportation to implement by June 2025,” Gibbons writes. The committee would assess the “ease and cost” of recording mileage and collecting taxes.
States like Oregon, Utah, Virginia have implemented similar mileage-based programs that allow motorists to opt in. Likewise, if the final budget includes funding for it, the Michigan program will be completely voluntary. Critics of these types of program object on a privacy basis, as they often use GPS data collection devices, though the proposed pilot would direct the state to connect a minimal amount of personal data.
“MDOT would lead the pilot for one year and report findings to the Legislature by the end of 2026, including cost, privacy issues, data collection technology, feasibility and participant acceptance,” reports Gibbons.
FULL STORY: A mileage tax for Michigan motorists? Lawmakers want $5M for pilot program
Can State Lawmakers Make the Case for Road Charges?
More state legislatures are considering fees based on vehicle miles traveled as a replacement for declining gas tax revenues.
California Poised to Lose Up to $4 Billion in Gas Tax Revenue
States must find other ways to fund transportation projects as the transportation sector moves toward decarbonization.
What Will Replace Gas Taxes?
States are developing a variety of mechanisms for replacing dwindling gas tax revenue, which most rely on for the majority of their transportation funding.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)