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

portrait of professional woman

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 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 Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

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

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today