Phoenix voters will consider transportation sales tax

Legal Broadcast Network reported that the City of Phoenix is looking at a transportation plan that could cost $31 billion. The proposal will go to the voters in an August election. The plan will require tax funding and legislative efforts have begun to garner support for the tax.

Policy analyst Sapna Gupta of Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy thinks the measure has a good chance of passage.

The city’s approach, says Gupta, should be the idea that the improvements will help to attract businesses. The tax would provide financing for street repairs and upgrades, bicycle lane construction and light rail extension. Residents need to see the benefits.

Another strong point in favor of the transportation improvements is the impact of Gen Xers and Millennials. Research has shown that these groups tend to live closer to a city’s core than its suburbs and they put a high value on transportation and quality of life issues.

Gupta notes that there is strong bipartisan support for the Phoenix tax proposal and the business community is supporting the tax increase as sound transportation is essential to attracting jobs and helping businesses to grow.

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