Transportation and Infrastructure Ballot Measures in the U.S.
Ballot measures across the United States have become powerful tools shaping local, regional, and statewide investments in roads, public transit, water management, and climate resilience infrastructure. These measures supplement federal funding by enabling communities to directly finance improvements aligned with their local priorities.
Recent 2024 Statewide Ballot Initiatives
- California Proposition 4 (Passed): Authorized $10 billion in bonds focused on climate resilience, water quality, wildfire prevention, and clean energy infrastructure, with special emphasis on low-income and vulnerable communities.
- California Proposition 5 (Failed): Attempted to lower local bond approval thresholds for infrastructure and affordable housing from two-thirds to 55% but was rejected by voters.
- Colorado Proposition JJ (Passed): Redirects excess sports betting revenues towards the state's Water Plan, funding canal improvements, drought mitigation, and conservation projects.
- Oklahoma State Question 833 (Failed): Proposed public infrastructure districts (PIDs) for local improvements, but concerns about tax impacts led to its defeat.
- Rhode Island Green Bond (Passed): Approved $53 million for environmental infrastructure projects, recreation area development, and climate resilience initiatives.
Key Local Ballot Successes in 2024
| Location | Ballot Measure | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin County, Ohio | Issue 47 | 0.75% sales tax increase funding rapid transit (LinkUS plan), including 500 miles of sidewalks, trails, and bike paths. |
| Nashville, Tennessee | Choose How You Move Referendum | 0.5% sales tax generating $3.1 billion for bus rapid transit routes, synchronized traffic signals, and safety improvements. |
| Seattle, Washington | Property Tax Renewal | Raises $1.55 billion over eight years for transportation infrastructure renewal and transit upgrades. |
| Maricopa County, Arizona | Half-Penny Sales Tax Renewal | Secures $14.9 billion over 20 years supporting transit projects and wider transportation improvements. |
| South Carolina (4 Counties) | Local Sales Tax | $11.7 billion over 25 years allocated to roads, bridges, and transit development. |
New York State Transportation Ballot Measures and Investments
New York continues to prioritize transportation and infrastructure funding via bond acts, dedicated taxes, and ballot measures with a focus on public transit renewal, climate resiliency, and bridge repairs. The state leverages both direct voter-approved funding and state legislative action bolstered by federal support.
- NY 2024 Transportation Bond Act: Approved a $3 billion bond package to modernize public transit systems, upgrade bridges and roadways, and support climate resilience projects statewide.
- MTA Funding Initiatives: Voter-supported campaigns and legislative measures have stabilized funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), including expansions to subway accessibility and bus electrification programs.
- Regional Rail Investments: The East Side Access project, funded partly through state bonds and federal grants, enhances Long Island Rail Road access to Manhattan, improving commuter connectivity and reducing roadway congestion.
- Resilience and Climate Programs: New York State invests in infrastructure to mitigate flooding and storm impacts, utilizing ballot-approved environmental bonds and grants tied to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Common Success Factors for Ballot Measures
Analysis of successful transportation and infrastructure ballot measures reveals several common themes:
- Extensive Community Engagement: Including diverse stakeholders early (from local residents, business leaders, transit riders, to environmental groups) is critical in building broad support.
- Strategic Communication: Transparent, frequent public communication about how funds will be used and clear messaging around benefits helps overcome voter skepticism.
- Blend of Immediate and Long-Term Benefits: Measures that balance urgent infrastructure needs with visionary projects (e.g., transit network expansions, climate adaptation) tend to gain more support.
- Coalition Building: Forming cross-sector coalitions that can mobilize voters and neutralize special interest opposition is a strong determinant of success.
National Impact and Investment Scale
- Over $41 billion in new or renewed transportation and infrastructure funding was approved by voters nationwide in 2024.
- Local ballot measures have maintained an 84% approval rate from 2014 through 2024.
- Since 2014, voter-approved initiatives have generated over $390 billion for infrastructure investments.
Additional Resources for Communities
- Community Engagement Frameworks: Best practices for involving local stakeholders and integrating feedback in planning.
- Innovative Funding Combinations: Leveraging federal grants, local taxes, bonds, and private partnerships to maximize project funding.
- Performance Metrics: Tracking post-implementation outcomes for transit ridership, road safety, climate resilience, and economic growth.