A brand new roundup of Walkability Wins highlighting the 2024 election. This challenge of Walkability Wins highlights and celebrates the triumphs of the current election cycle. As cities and cities proceed to develop and alter, the general public’s overwhelming assist for transit, biking and strolling indicators a shift in direction of prioritizing secure, accessible and sustainable transportation choices for all. That’s the reason 46 out of 53 initiatives handed, securing important funding that may transit throughout the nation. If you wish to take a look at the entire checklist, test them out on Streetsblog USA. Let’s dive into a few of our favourite wins!
Richland County, South Carolina
Richland County voters have decisively supported the continuation of the 1 p.c gross sales and use tax, initially established in 2012, to fund important transportation infrastructure tasks. This extension permits the county to lift as much as $4.5 billion over the following 25 years, making certain the completion of present and new transportation tasks. This consists of funding for enhancements to The Comet public transit system, reinforcing the county’s dedication to bettering accessibility and mobility throughout the county.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco voters have handed Proposition Okay, which completely closes a 2-mile stretch of the town’s Higher Nice Freeway to vehicular site visitors from Lincoln option to Sloat Boulevard. This determination transforms the roadway right into a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly oceanfront park. Regardless of issues about elevated site visitors on various routes, the measure drew important assist from youthful and progressive voters, alongside endorsements from influential figures like Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman. This initiative goals to foster a safer, extra accessible coastal expertise for all San Franciscans.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville voters decisively accepted a transformative transit plan with a 65.5% majority, marking a major win. This plan will allow the funding of in depth upgrades to the town’s bus system and sidewalks by way of a half-cent gross sales tax improve. Consequently, Nashville will change its standing as one of many few giant U.S. metro areas with out devoted transit funding. This funding is a pivotal step in modernizing Nashville’s infrastructure and supporting its development.
Columbus, Ohio
Franklin County voters have handed a pivotal shift in transportation by approving a gross sales tax levy to fund the bold LinkUS plan. The LinkUS considerably enhances the area’s connectivity by way of expanded bus companies, speedy bus strains, and over 500 miles of recent sidewalks and bike paths. This determination to assist this plan, voted by 57% of voters, marks a historic step towards reworking Columbus right into a extra accessible and interconnected city setting.
Denver, Colorado
Metro Denver voters overwhelmingly accepted Regional Transportation District 7A, permitting the transit company to retain $50-60 million yearly above TABOR caps. This approval doesn’t contain elevating the present 1% gross sales tax. The funds shall be used to rent workers, restore companies, stop cuts in transit operations, and advance tasks such because the East Colfax Avenue Bus Speedy Transit.
To make amends for earlier installments of Walkability Wins, go to our weblog. Have a win? Ship it to us: social@americawalks.org.
