The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority—one of the last agencies in the country to fund transit with property taxes—is unable to keep up with the times, according to an editorial arguing for a change.
According to the argument laid out by a recent editorial in the Toledo Blade, "[the] Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority is one of the nation’s few transit agencies still funded by local property taxes. It’s an inadequate, unreliable, unsustainable, and unfair way to pay for the 3.4 million rides TARTA provides each year."
The editorial cites the example of Grand Rapids, which, though smaller in size, recently funded and completed a 9.6-mile bus rapid transit line.
"A transit sales tax may or may not be the best route for Toledo. Either way, the people, politicians, and policy makers of this region can’t decide without more information. It’s time for a thorough, comprehensive, and timely study of how such a tax would work here," continues the editorial, tapping the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments as the logical agency to undertake the study.
FULL STORY: Better route for transit
Transit Funding Sales Tax Approved by Toledo-Area Voters
Toledo is one of the last corners of Ohio to approve a transit funding sales tax. In effect, voters committed to raise about twice as much as existing property levies currently generate for the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority.
The Advocacy Coalition Behind Minnesota’s Transit Funding Victory
The Minnesota State Legislature recently approved one of the most significant funding bills ever devoted to transit at the state level. The bill required rare political alignment and a new brand of advocacy.
Transit Spending on the Ballot in Seattle and Washington
Voters in the city of Seattle will consider a sales tax to fund bus transit service, while voters around the state of Washington will have a chance to send new leaders to Congress.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie