VOTING OUTCOMES OF LOCAL TAX BALLOT MEASURES WITH A SUBSTANTIAL RAIL TRANSIT COMPONENT: CASE STUDY OF EFFECTS OF TRANSPORTATION PACKAGES

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2002

Subject Area

land use - planning, policy - equity, mode - rail

Keywords

Transportation packages, Tax ballot measures, Rail transit, Planning, Multimodal transportation, Multimodal systems, Geographic equity, Coalitions, Case studies, Campaigns

Abstract

This research explores the effect of transportation package characteristics, both qualitative and quantitative, on the outcome of tax ballot measures with a substantial rail transit component. Seventeen recent ballot measures, each occurring in 1995 or later, in 12 communities are examined with information generated through on-site and telephone interviews and written documentation. Key findings suggest that (a) failed campaigns may successfully be repeated with appropriate adjustments; (b) multimodal packages tend to be more readily approved by voters; (c) providing perceived geographic equity is both important and challenging, with one feasible approach involving decentralized planning; (d) involving influential representatives from the business community, environmental groups, and the political community in the planning process is important in building an effective supporting coalition, although developing a package acceptable to all these groups can be difficult, and (e) voters appear to be more sensitive to the tax expiration date than to the sales tax rate.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS