Tracking the Transportation Initiatives to be Decided Today

While the federal government balks at increasing money for transportation projects, local officials across America are turning to their constituents to get the go ahead for significant transportation investment. What projects are at stake today?

2 minute read

November 6, 2012, 11:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Yonah Freemark tracks the local ballot measures, and one mayoral election, that will have a major impact on funding for urban transportation systems nationwide. We've already looked at what's at stake in the Honolulu mayoral election, so below are a sampling of some of the ballot measures going before voters:

In Memphis: "This city's leadership is promoting a unique approach to improving funding
for the area's public transportation system, MATA. By implementing a
local tax on gasoline equivalent to 1¢ per gallon sold, the city will be
able to raise between $3 to $6 million for transit. Specifically, funds
will go to expanding service on 8 bus routes and the downtown trolley."

In Houston: "Since 2003, a quarter of Houston's 1% transit sales tax is redistributed
to local communities under the General Mobility Program. This effectively allows cities to build roads ith [sic] money
that was originally supposed to be directed to bus operations and light
rail expansion. The diversion of funds was initially supposed to end in
2014, but voters are being asked whether they want to extend the
diversion until 2025."

In Los Angeles: "Fresh off the passage of Measure R in 2008, L.A.'s Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is proposing extending that half-cent sales tax from 2039 (when it was supposed to expire) to 2069. This extension
will allow L.A. County to use projected revenues far into the future to
pay for transit and highway investment projects today. If passed, the
measure will make it possible to complete many of the region's major
mass transit projects, including a subway to UCLA, an airport link, and a
downtown connector, far more quickly than originally planned."

Monday, November 5, 2012 in the transport politic

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 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

"Altadena - Not For Sale" yard sign in front of burned down house after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California in January 2025.

Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations

Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.

July 7 - Dwell

Dense multistory residential buildings in hilly San Francisco, California.

Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean

Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?

July 7 - The San Francisco Standard

Blue self-driving Ford Transit van shuttle in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US

A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.

July 7 - Smart Cities Dive

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA