Michigan's Sweeping Road Funding Amendment Loses in a Landslide

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.

1 minute read

May 6, 2015, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"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.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 in Detroit Free Press

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

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

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Close-up of laptop with real estate listings shown on map.

Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI

Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.

5 hours ago - CALmatters

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit train at elevated station with hills and palm tree in background.

BART to Raise Fares in January

The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.

6 hours ago - The San Francisco Chronicle

Long row of Bixi bike share bikes parked at station on street in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides

The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.

7 hours ago - The Montreal Gazette

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.