Is Touching the 'Third Rail of State Politics' the Key to CA's Future?

Dowell Myers pens an opinion piece for The Sacramento Bee arguing that it's time to reform California's infamous property tax cap - Proposition 13 - in order to solve the challenges facing the state today, and in the future.

1 minute read

July 18, 2012, 8:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Kicking off a spirited debate, Myers argues that the problems that led to the passage of the Proposition 13 in 1978, while real a generation ago, are no longer relevant, as the state faces, "The deep effects of the Great Recession, our housing crash and some
major swings in demographics have thrown our old narratives in sharp
relief."

For Myers, rather than guarding against explosive, runaway house prices driven by waves of newcomers, Prop 13 unfairly burdens the state's native sons and daughters. He suggests a renewed debate about the aims and means of Proposition 13 based on a "new narrative" that acknowledges, "the challenge of reviving the state's housing market and finding a reliable revenue source for freeways, schools and other public services."

Sunday, July 15, 2012 in The Sacramento Bee

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

View from back of classroom of elementary school children at desks with raised hands engaged in class.

Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs

Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.

December 9 - Shelterforce Magazine

Anchorage Public Transportation

Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen

After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.

December 9 - Anchorage Daily News

Tall mature green trees lining a concrete walkway next to a street with multistory apartment buildings on other side and sun filtering through the leaves.

Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges

Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.

December 9 - Cal Poly News