Government / Politics

Voters in Four States to Decide on Transportation Sales and Fuel Taxes
Californians will determine whether to repeal recent fuel tax and user fee increases; Missourians to vote on a 10-cent gas tax hike over 4 years; Coloradans whether to hike the sales tax, and the most interesting measure will be decided in Utah.

Looking Beyond the 5G Horizon to the 6G Future
The new 5G networks are almost here, but some think it is not too early to think ahead to 6G.

A Parking-Focused Alternative to Congestion Pricing
Congestion management using parking strategies would be more politically palatable while delivering significant outcomes.

Vehicle Miles Traveled Fee Becomes Debate Issue in Illinois Gubernatorial Race
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner might as well have accused his Democratic opponent of wanting to hike the gas tax. J.B. Pritzker denies he plans to introduce a VMT fee but admits that he's open to all ideas to raise revenue to maintain infrastructure.

San Jose to Vote on $450 Million Affordable Housing Bond
A $450 million bond referendum will come before San Jose voters this November. Mayor Sam Liccardo promises it is "a necessary but not sufficient tool" to provide stable housing at an epicenter of the housing crisis.

Short-Term Rentals Too Controversial to Touch in New Orleans
A proposed revision of the city of New Orleans' regulations of short-term rentals was too controversial for the City Planning Commission to approve at a hearing this week.

Nation's First Truck-Only Toll Program Off to Auspicious Start
After the Rhode Island General Assembly passed controversial legislation in February 2016 spearheaded by Gov. Gina Raimondo (D), the first two of what will be 13 truck-only toll gantries became operational on June 11. Results are looking good.

As Phoenix Light Rail Extension Debate Devolves, Questions About Funding
Transit advocates are saying the Koch Brothers are responsible for a sudden outbreak of controversy surrounding the South Central Light Rail Extension in Phoenix.

California Considers Creating Directory of Buildings Most Likely to Collapse in an Earthquake
Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles already keep lists of vulnerable buildings, but a new piece of legislation would require all California cities do the same. The catch? The bill will not provide funding to support these lists.

Regional Housing Needs Allocation Reform Bill on Gov. Brown's Desk
The lone survivor of Sen. Scott Wiener's trio of "Housing-First Policy" bills awaits a decision by Gov. Jerry Brown. Senate Bill 828, intended to increase the amount of land zoned for housing in California cities, was weakened by amendments.

Retrofitting Cities with Accessory Dwelling Units Is a Win-Win
Expensive West Coast cities are looking to these alternative and add-on structures to ease their housing challenges.

Cruising for a Bruising: City Revenues Slowing, Expenditures Speeding
A report on the fiscal conditions of cities sounds alarms about potential challenges ahead.

220,000 EV Drivers in California to Lose Carpool Lane Perk in 2019
The good news: the Clean Air Vehicle program for electric vehicles will be extended for at least three years. The bad news: not all EVs that have a decal now will be able to be renewed. Congestion on HOV and HOT lanes is a major concern.

Weekly Scooter Media Brief: September 10-20
It seemed like maybe the pace of electric scooter news was slowing. Wrong.

The Next Environmental Stewards
The research is clear: For climate leadership, look no further than young people, people of color, and young people of color.

Gov. Jerry Brown Signs 16 Bills to Spur Sales of New and Used Electric Vehicles
On the second day of the Global Climate Action Summit, co-host Gov. Jerry Brown signed 16 bills onboard a new plug-in hybrid electric ferry in San Francisco Bay to spur sales of zero-emission vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Protected Bike Lanes: How New York City Made It Happen
While resistance to protected bike lanes can be high, the economic and safety paybacks are substantial.

Not All Municipalities Are Excited About the Arrival of 5G. But They May Not Have a Choice.
Pennsylvania legislation would make it harder for communities to regulate the new wireless network infrastructure.

Phasing Out the Internal Combustion Engine No Easy Task
A report from the Global Climate Action Summit on a looming deadline set by the Paris climate agreement: ending sales of new gas and diesel-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035.

Study of Evictions in Kansas City Provides Insight Into a National Problem
A new report on eviction data from Kansas City reveals systematic factors related to the housing crisis.
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