One proposal would increase the state’s payroll tax by .08% to fund transit agencies and expand service.
Oregon legislators are considering a package of proposed transportation funding laws that could help expand transit access to parts of the state where transportation is currently difficult to come by and increase service on existing lines.
As Vasili Varlamos explains in an article for KATU, the funding would prevent anticipated cuts of up to 30 percent. “In a transportation funding proposal released in early April, the lawmakers proposed a .08% increase to the state payroll tax. This would increase the payroll tax to .18%. According to the proposal, this would generate $268.6 million for public transit every two years.”
Some lawmakers think transit agencies should put a bigger emphasis on fare enforcement to maximize fare revenue. Others pointed out the benefits of better transit for all Oregonians. “If you drive and you depend on uncongested roads, we need to have public transit so that people have options that help breathe cleaner air for all of us,” said State Senator Khahn Pham.
FULL STORY: Public transit advocates push for more funding at a rally near the Oregon Capitol
New Transit Funds to Support Buses in Rural East Oregon
A payroll tax will fund the expansion of bus services in Umatilla County, Oregon.
Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort
Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.
USDOT Threatens to Pull New York Highway Funding
The Trump administration wants the state to kill New York City’s congestion pricing program despite its demonstrated success.
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