Keeping Hope Alive After Seattle Votes Down Transit Funding

Voters in Seattle recently voted down a proposition to significantly fund roads and transit in the region. Advocates are pushing forward with efforts to keep the transportation funding issues alive and attain the money needed.

1 minute read

November 9, 2007, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"Only a half-day has passed since the polls closed, but transportation advocates are already gearing up to determine what's next after Tuesday night's rejection of 'Roads & Transit' Proposition 1."

"Talks are likely to start soon about how to cobble together a funding plan to replace Highway 520, said Metropolitan King County Executive Ron Sims."

"'This was a tough vote. Local voters were asked to make a significant contribution to solving safety and congestion and I respect the decision of the voters in the Puget Sound area,' Washington Governor Christine Gregoire said. 'Congestion and safety remains a very real problem. I will continue to fight to solve our transportation problems. Safety must be our number one priority and the 520 bridge, a critical link in our transportation system, is one of the top regional safety issues. It is vulnerable to earthquakes and winds and it must be replaced.'"

Thursday, November 8, 2007 in The Seattle Times

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

45 minutes ago - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

2 hours ago - Grist