LA Politicos Make Final Cases For and Against Extending Transportation Sales Tax

In 2008 Los Angeles voters passed a half-cent sales tax to finance construction of a new transit system. In November, Angelenos will decide whether to extend this tax to 2069, allowing Metro to borrow more in the short term and expedite construction.

2 minute read

October 26, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Kevin Madden


In October the Westside Urban Forum hosted a panel, "R U Ready 4 Measure J," examining arguments for and against extending the 2008 Measure R sales tax an additional 30 years to 2069. Moderated by David Abel, editor-in-chief of The Planning Report, the panelists-Dan Rosenfeld, Senior Deputy to LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Denny Zane, Executive Director, Move LA, and California Assemblymember Mike Feuer-make clear cases around Measure J, placing debates around the ballot into a regional and historical political context.

Measure R is responsible for the recent transit boom in Los Angeles County and has been hailed as a political and economic triumph, with more than two thirds of voters supporting a tax at the height of the recession. In extending the sales tax by another thirty years, Measure J will allow the Los Angeles Metro to borrow off of an extended future revenue stream, thus making it possible to expedite project timelines and create much needed jobs. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's proposed 30/10 Initiative is where the effort began, "to use the long-term revenue from the Measure R sales tax as collateral for long-term bonds and a federal loan which will allow Metro to build 12 key mass transit projects in 10 years, rather than 30. Accelerating construction of these 12 key Metro projects will result in substantial cost savings."

Assemblymember Mike Feuer championed the initiative in Sacramento, and it was OK'ed by a reluctant LA County Board of Supervisors. Leading the opposition is the Bus Riders Union and coalitions from the City of Beverly Hills.

Thanks to Kevin Madden

Thursday, October 25, 2012 in The Planning Report

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.