Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has proposed a suite of tax and fee increases to create more than $1 billion for transportation projects in the state. The package will hit the legislature in January.
"The governor proposed about half a dozen tax and fee increases, including a 2-cent gas tax hike, and more than doubling the annual fees for car title and registration. He also would borrow $600 million, raise the tobacco tax by 2 1/2 cents and take $16 million in lottery money to pay for railroad, mass transit and port projects."
"If approved by the Legislature, the package adds up to Oregon's biggest-ever commitment to transportation."
"Oregon falls $1.3 billion short in maintaining state highways to handle the current level of traffic, state officials estimate. That doesn't include all the deferred maintenance on city and county roadways."
"The tax and fee increases will be controversial when lawmakers convene in January, but business groups are pressuring legislators to boost spending on transportation. The 24-cent state gas tax hasn't been raised since 1993, and inflation has cut its buying power in half while Oregon's population has surged."
FULL STORY: Kulongoski unveils a $1 billion-plus transportation package
Well Intended Housing Tax Could Wreak Havoc in L.A.
A new transfer tax that intends to fund affordable housing might end up crushing Los Angeles's multifamily market—at exactly the wrong time.
Editorial Sounds Alarms About the 'Illinois Exodus'
The Chicago Tribune sends a message to the political leadership of Illinois and Chicago about population decline, and its causes.
Property Transfer Taxes Gain Traction as Cities Search for Ways to Address Homelessness
San Jose, California is the latest city to consider raising its real property transfer tax to fund homeless programs.
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?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
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.
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