Proposition 1 would have enacted broad reforms in road funding policies and programs in Michigan. Despite Governor Rick Snyder and the State Legislature's efforts, however, voters soundly defeated the measure in a statewide election this week.
"Michigan voters rejected the Proposal 1 road funding and sales tax plan that Snyder had pushed by an 80% to 20% margin — the most lopsided rejection of a proposed constitutional amendment since Michigan's current state constitution went into effect, in 1963," reports Paul Egan.
Much of Egan's coverage after the vote is devoted to dissecting what happens next for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who strongly supported the measure. He wasn't the only one—Detroit Free Press also endorsed the measure, calling it a critical need for public safety. Such high profile support was far from enough to muster the necessary support for the measure at the ballot box. Detroit Free Press earlier printed a complete list of organizations and political leadership that supported or opposed the bill.
Chris Christoff also covered the failure of Proposition 1, implying that the results could be a litmus test for the potential presidential campaign of Governor Snyder.
The measure was much more than just a new tax for funding. Proposition 1 would have amended the state's constitution and triggered ten additional pieces of legislation, as detailed by Paul Eggan in an article earlier this week.
Read the full story: Snyder: Time to 'roll up our sleeves' on road fix
Why Raise Gas Taxes When Surplus General Funds are Available to Fix Roads?
In Michigan, after voters defeated a sales tax hike that would have triggered a gas tax hike, General Fund revenues are dedicated to roads. South Carolina legislators, eying a gas tax hike, may direct surplus General Fund revenues to roads instead.
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.
Portland, Ore. Voters Will Be Asked to Reauthorize Gas Tax in May 2020
Originally approved by 52 percent of voters in May 2016, the 4-year, 10 cents per gallon city gas tax has outperformed revenue projections. Funds are split between road maintenance and bike and pedestrian projects.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents
NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting
New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.
California appears to reject Prop. 45
The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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