Transportation Ballot Measures Update

Nov. 9, 2016
Transportation ballot measure results from the November 8 election. Last updated 6:50 a.m. CST, November 11.

Last updated 6:50 a.m. CST, November 11.

Arizona

Flagstaff - Pass

http://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/p-m-update-local-election-results/article_4e491506-7ab9-5122-98d6-9d29876e1433.html

A 10-year 0.295 percent sales tax renewal for the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority to continue the Mountain line bus services.

The vote was 71 percent for and 29 percent against with 20,059 votes counted.

California

Statewide - Fail

http://www.laweekly.com/news/which-california-propositions-and-local-measures-passed-7565768

The California Voter Approval Requirement for Revenue Bonds above $2 Billion Initiative, also known as Proposition 53 requires voter approval before the state could issue more than $2 billion in public infrastructure bonds that would require an increase in taxes or fees for repayment. Supporters of Proposition 53 refer to it as the “No Blank Checks Initiative.” There would be few projects large enough to be affected by the measure’s requirement —  the California High-Speed Rail is one of them.

Yes, 49 percent. No, 51 percent.

Alameda and Contra Costa Counties - Pass

http://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/november-2016-ballot-measure-results

The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is asking to extend the current $96 per year parcel tax that accounts for 7 to 9 percent of the district’s operating revenue annually. Originally passed in 2008, the current tax expires in 2019. The extension, Measure C1, would renew the tax for 20 years. It currently brings in around $28 million per year.

Contra Costa County - Fail

http://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/november-2016-ballot-measure-results

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is asking for a ½-cent sales tax measure for projects to mitigate congestion — 33 percent of which would go to fund transit-related projects and services, including $70 million for Bay Area Rapid Transit’s East Contra Costa extension. The measure would generate an estimated $2.3 billion over 30 years.

Yes, 62 percent. No, 38 percent.

Humboldt County - Fail

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2016/nov/9/full-humboldt-county-election-results/

Measure U is a 20-year half-cent sales tax. The revenue will primarily go to road improvements, but transit infrastructure maintenance is eligible.

Yes, 48 percent. No, 52 percent.

Los Angeles County - Pass

http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20161109/eric-garcetti-metro-ceo-thank-la-county-voters-for-passing-measure-m

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is asking to renew the current Measure R, a half-cent sales tax. Measure M would be permanent and could raise up to $120 billion over 40 years. It is estimated it would bring in $860 million annually.

Yes, 70 percent. No, 30 percent.

Merced County - Pass

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/community/article113803248.html

Measure V — a 1/2-cent sales tax that would generate an estimated $450 million over 30 years.

Yes, 69 percent. No, 31 percent. It requires a supermajority and there were still ballots to be counted.

Monterey County - Leading

http://www.montereyherald.com/government-and-politics/20161108/monterey-county-transportation-sales-tax-vote-too-close-to-call

Monterey County is asking for a 3/8 percent countywide sales tax measure. This would provide revenue to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC).  It would generate an estimated $600 million over 30 years.

With 59,859 vote-by-mail ballots tallied, Measure X had collected about 67 percent of them.

Oakland - Pass

http://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/november-2016-ballot-measure-results

Measure KK is a 10-year infrastructure bond to support transportation, housing, antidisplacement and other purposes. 

Yes, 82 percent. No, 18 percent.

Placer County - Fail

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/election/local-election/article113405923.html

The Placer County Transportation Planning Agency has approved a ½ cent, 30-year sales tax to fund rail and road improvements. The Board of Supervisors will make a final decision on the ballot measure July 12th. 12 percent of additional revenue would go to transit.

It needed a two-thirds majority to pass. 

Sacramento County - Fail

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/election/local-election/article113405923.html

Measure B is the Sacramento County ½-cent sales tax to improve regional transit and road projects, including expanded bus service and light rail to the airport. This proposed sales tax would be in addition to the half-cent sales tax already in place. It would generate an additional $120 million annually for 30 years.

The measure has 65 percent approval, however, it needed a 67 percent super majority, to pass.

San Diego County - Fail

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/elections/sd-me-measurea-folo-20161109-story.html

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has voted to send Measure A, a half-cent sales tax on the ballot. Measure A would generate an estimated $18.2 billion over 40 years.
San Francisco. The city of San Francisco has put a 0.75 percent sales tax measure on the ballot. Proposition K creates a sales tax that dedicates roughly a little more than $150 million a year in general fund revenue. Proposition J stipulates that about one third of revenue raised by Prop. K would go to helping fight homelessness, with the remaining two-thirds going to road and transit improvements.

Measure A received support from 57.1 percent of voters, but requires a two-thirds “yes” vote to pass.

San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties - Pass

http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-election-day-2016-bay-area-transit-measures-results-1478636453-htmlstory.html

Measure RR: The Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors put a $3.5 billion bond measure to fund capital improvements on the ballot. Homeowners in these three counties would see an increase in property tax bills of between $35 and $55 a year for the 40-year life of the bond program.

Yes, 70 percent. No, 30 percent.

San Francisco - Fail

http://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/november-2016-ballot-measure-results

Propositions J and K would increase the sales tax rate by three-quarters of a penny for every dollar spent and set aside about $100 million a year to pay for repairs, upgrades and infrastructure improvements to Muni and about $50 million to provide services to the homeless.

Proposition J: Yes, 66 percent. No, 34 percent. (Supermajority required)

Proposition K: Yes, 35 percent. No, 65 percent. 

San Luis Obispo County - Fail

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/politics-government/election/article113529433.html

The Board of Supervisors placed a 9-year half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects on the ballot. Measure J would raise an estimated $225 million over 9 years.

Sixty-five percent of voters were in support of Measure J as of Wednesday, but the measure needs a two-thirds vote — or 66.7 percent — to pass.

San Mateo County - Pass

http://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/november-2016-ballot-measure-results

Measure K is a 20-year extension on Measure A, a 1/2-cent general sales tax, to fund city priorities, including transit.

Yes, 70 percent. No, 30 percent.

Santa Clara County - Pass

http://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/november-2016-ballot-measure-results

Measure B would raise the sales tax by a half a cent for every dollar spent to fund freeway and transit improvements, including funding to bring BART to downtown San Jose, raising more than $6 billion over the next three decades.

Yes, 71 percent. No, 29 percent.

Santa Cruz - Leading

http://www.goldenstatenewspapers.com/press_banner/measure-d-still-too-close-to-call/article_190f1d34-a6a2-11e6-b736-8b417e6376ae.html

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and the Board of Supervisors approved a 30-year half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. Twenty percent of the estimated $500 million in revenue from Measure D will go to transit for seniors and disabled people, while some will also go to analysis of rail as a transit option.

As of Wednesday, it was hovering just above the super majority required to pass.

Stanislaus County - Leading

http://www.cerescourier.com/section/11/article/7871/

Measure L would raise the local sales tax by a half cent. The tax would run for 25 years and would be allocated for transportation projects. The measure would generate a total of $480 million over its lifetime.

Yes, 71 percent. No, 29 percent. It requires a supermajority to pass. 

Ventura County - Fail

http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/09/county-transportation-sales-tax-measure-defeated/93254178/

A 30-year half cent sales tax that raises $3.3 billion total, half of which would go to the county for regional freeway projects, rail and bus service improvements, transportation technology management, environmental mitigation and bike and pedestrian path improvements.

Yes, 56.91 percent. No, 43.09 percent.

Colorado

Boulder

A renewal of half of the current 0.25 percent sales and use tax that helps fund Boulder County's expenses of acquiring and managing open space, which expires in 2019. On the ballot, residents will decide on a 0.125 percent renewal.

Lafayette

Lafayette ballot Initiative 2C is a 6-year, $3.4 million free bus program. The property tax would provide free EcoPasses to all Lafayette residents who request them.

Routt County - Pass

http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2016/nov/08/live-updates-election-night-2016/

Referendum 1A asks voters to approve a 5 percent excise tax on the initial sale or transfer of unprocessed retail marijuana by a retail marijuana cultivation facility in unincorporated Routt County. Revenue from this excise tax would fund public transportation, among other things.

63.4 percent yes, 36.6 percent no.

Florida

Broward County - Fail

http://www.local10.com/news/elections/broward-voters-defeat-penny-sales-tax-proposal

Broward County and its cities are asking to raise the sales tax to generate $15 billion. The tax would raise from 6 to 7 percent for the next 30 years if voters approve the two surtaxes on the ballot: One half-cent for city infrastructure, one half-cent for county transportation improvements.

Georgia

Atlanta - Pass

http://www.atlantaloop.com/699-2/

A 0.4 percent Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) sales tax for non-transit transportation projects for the City of Atlanta.

Yes, 67.97 percent. No, 32.03 percent.

Atlanta - Pass

http://www.atlantaloop.com/699-2/

A .5 cent MARTA expansion for a potential .9 cent increase in Atlanta.

Yes, 71.53 percent. No, 28.47 percent.

Fulton County - Pass

http://www.atlantaloop.com/699-2/

A .75-cent Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, (TSPLOST.) It would raise an estimated $570 million to fund transportation improvements throughout Fulton County, outside the city of Atlanta.

Yes, 52.80 percent. No, 47.20 percent.

Hawaii

Honolulu - Pass

A charter amendment is asking voters if they want a unified multi-modal transportation system. It would establish the operations and maintenance of the city-owned multi-modal transportation system under the unified responsibility of the director of transportation.

Yes, 61.3 percent. No, 28.3 percent.

Illinois

Statewide - Pass

http://jg-tc.com/news/voters-amend-illinois-constitution-to-protect-transportation-funds/article_412006c7-f5df-51d5-a23a-0fb7eeb5685b.html

A measure restricting the use of transportation revenue solely for transportation projects — including transit — is on the ballot. If the measure does not pass, transportation funds could be allocated to unrelated projects or needs in the state.

The Associated Press called the measure in favor of the amendment shortly before 9 p.m. With 52 percent of precincts reporting statewide, 79 percent of voters had cast ballots in support of the amendment, according to unofficial election returns. State constitutional amendments require support from either 60 percent of those voting on the question or 50 percent of those casting ballots in the election as a whole.

Indiana

Marion County - Pass

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/11/08/marion-county-voters-consider-tax-hike-mass-transit/93284726/

Marion County are being asked for an income tax that translates to 25 cents deducted and allocated from every $100 earned to pay for IndyGo’s public transportation plan.

With 483 out of 600 precincts counted, voters favored the referendum 57.8 percent to 42.1 percent.

Maine

Statewide - Pass

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/elections-maine-ballot-question-results/350295733

Question 6 is the Maine Transportation Bond, a $100 million transportation bond measure that would fund transportation projects. It was also designed to qualify the state for $137,000,000 in federal government matching funds for Maine transportation projects.

Maryland

Prince George County - Pass

https://wamu.org/news/16/11/09/in_maryland_virginia_and_elsewhere_a_good_day_for_mass_transit_measures

In Prince George’s County, voters said yes to borrowing money to pay for the county’s portion of the Purple Line light rail project.

Michigan

Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Wahsten Counties - Fail

http://www.dailyprogress.com/voters-decline-detroit-area-regional-transit-measure/article_0ff50800-67d2-536d-af6f-20a97f0e562d.html

The Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is asking voters across metro Detroit to approve a 1.2 mill property tax that would raise $2.9 billion over the next 20 years to fund a bus rapid transit system and a commuter rail line between Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Missouri

Kansas City - Fail

http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article113476618.html

Kansas City Council members have approved a light rail proposal, put forth by long-time transit advocate Clay Chastain. Revenue for the plan would be generated by a 3/8-cent sales tax increase for 25 years, plus the 3/8 cents that currently go to the bus system, once that tax expires in 2024.

With nearly all precincts reporting, Kansas City voters opposed Chastain’s latest vision for a light-rail system from Kansas City International Airport to south Kansas City. The margin was 60 percent against versus 40 percent in favor of the plan, in unofficial results.

North Carolina

Wake County - Pass

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article113460128.html

A half-cent sales tax referendum to help fund a new $2.3 billion regional transit plan. The plan includes commuter trains between Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, and Durham, and also expands bus service.

With all precincts reporting, about 53 percent of voters supported a referendum to raise the sales tax by a half-cent to help pay for a 10-year, $2.3 billion plan to add commuter rail and increase bus service throughout the county.

New Jersey

Statewide - Pass

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/live_results_nj_congressional_elections_2016.html

New Jersey has an amendment asking voters if they wish to require all revenue raised by New Jersey’s current fuel taxes to be dedicated to funding no other purpose but transportation-system upgrades.

Yes, 54 percent. No, 46 percent.

New Mexico

Bernalillo County - Pass

http://www.koat.com/article/bernalillo-county-voters-decide-they-want-more-of-a-say-on-art/8265349

An advisory question asking voters in Bernalillo County whether they support or oppose the construction of Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART), a nine-mile network of bus-only lanes.

Seventy-six percent of voters in Bernalillo County voted in favor of the chance to be able to vote on the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Project.

Nevada

Clark County - Pass

http://www.ktnv.com/news/political/clark-county-voters-agree-to-keep-fuel-tax-to-fund-roads

Voters in Clark County will decide whether to extend indexing the gas tax to inflation for another 10 years.

Measure 5 on the Clark County ballot passed Tuesday.

Ohio

Franklin County - Pass

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/11/08/election/levy-cota-bus.html

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is asking to renew 0.25-percent sales tax for 10 years. It is expected to raise $62 million a year for the transit authority.

The renewal was widely being approved in Franklin County by 71 percent to 29 percent.

Lorain County - Fail

http://www.chroniclet.com/Local-News/2016/11/10/All-county-wide-issues-except-health-funding-rejected.html

A ¼ percent sales tax levy. One-half of the tax will be used for public transportation and one-half will be used for Lorain County General Fund expenses.

Lucas County - Pass

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) Board of Trustees placed a 10-year renewal of its 1.5-mill property tax on the November ballot. The tax does not expire until next year, but the transit authority is exercising its legal right to request the renewal a year early.

https://origin-nyi.thehill.com/policy/transportation/305274-advocates-declare-victory-for-local-transit-in-election

Stark County - Pass

http://www.cantonrep.com/special/20161108/sarta-stark-voters-approve-renewal-levy

The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) is asking for a 10-year 0.25 sales tax renewal.

Yes, 63 percent. No, 37 percent.

Oregon

Tigard County - Pass

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/tigard_oks_light_rail_washingt.html

Voters are being asked whether they want to allow the city to support and cooperate in the construction of MAX light rail from Portland to downtown Tigard.

51 percent to 48 percent in unofficial returns Tuesday.

South Carolina

Charleston - Pass

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/referendum-results-dorchester-charleston-ok-tax-hikes-summerville-votes-no/article_011cafb2-a50c-11e6-8737-b72e64e5a318.html

A half-cent transportation sales tax ballot measure that would raise $1.89 billion for road, public transportation and greenbelt projects.

51 percent voted for the half-cent sales tax increase, raising the total sales tax rate in the county to 9 percent.

Texas

Austin - Pass

http://www.kvue.com/news/politics/elections/prop-1-goes-to-the-voters-in-travis-county/349836002

Austin voters will vote on Proposition 1, a $720 million proposal for transportation improvements, which doesn’t include any funding for light rail.

It will pass by a margin of 59.6 percent in favor to 40.4 percent against, the Travis County elections website said Tuesday. The results are with 213 of the county's 231 precincts reporting.

Lago Vista

Lago Vista residents are voting on whether or not they wish to remain part of the Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority service area.

Richland Hills - Fail

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/election/article113462553.html

Even though voters chose to remain part of the Trinity Railway Express (The T) in May, they will consider the exact same question asking if they would like to leave The T and cease the half-cent sales tax to support transit.

With all precincts reporting, only 44.7 percent of voters favored staying in the T, while 55.3 percent wanted to leave.

Utah

Summit County

A 0.25 percent transit sales tax that would generate an estimated $4.1 million annually for mass transit projects in the county. A second 0.25% sales tax is also on the ballot, but revenue for this would go to non-transit transportation projects.

Washington County - Trailing

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2016/11/09/mgk-future-of-proposed-sales-tax-for-road-funding-in-question/#.WCS7nC0rL4Y

Proposition 1 is a 0.25% sales tax to fund and maintain transportation projects.

The referendum currently stands to fail with 52 percent of voters shooting down the measure while 47 percent voting in support of it. 

Virginia

Arlington County - Pass

https://wamu.org/news/16/11/09/in_maryland_virginia_and_elsewhere_a_good_day_for_mass_transit_measures

A $58.8 million bond measure to partially finance the cost of various capital projects for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and other transit, pedestrian, road and transportation projects.

In Arlington and Fairfax counties, ballot measures to pay for Metro’s capital improvements — such as new railcars and power upgrades for 8-car trains — were approved by voters.

Fairfax County - Pass

https://wamu.org/news/16/11/09/in_maryland_virginia_and_elsewhere_a_good_day_for_mass_transit_measures

A $120 million bond measure, a portion of which would finance safety and system maintenance projects, new rail cars and power upgrades for running eight car trains, additional buses for operating Priority Corridor Networks, and rail station improvements to increase the capacity of the rail system infrastructure.

In Arlington and Fairfax counties, ballot measures to pay for Metro’s capital improvements — such as new railcars and power upgrades for 8-car trains — were approved by voters.

Virginia Beach - Fail

http://pilotonline.com/news/government/politics/local/virginia-beach-light-rail-referendum-vote-fails-in-a-landslide/article_a36b8dd8-6f6e-5f1e-a101-5b354db544c8.html

A non-binding ballot question that made it to the ballot via petition. It reads: “Should the City of Virginia Beach spend local funds to extend Light Rail from Norfolk to Town Center in Virginia Beach?”

Yes, 43 percent. No, 57 percent. The count is unofficial, but more than 166,000 weighed in on the nonbinding referendum.

Washington

Kitsap County - Pass

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/local/support-for-fast-ferry-proposal-up-in-second-round-of-counting-40e59ce2-cd25-7d23-e053-0100007f75d7-400622941.html

A 0.3 percent sales tax increase to fund a fast commuter ferry, overseen by Kitsap Transit, to Seattle.

Of the 103,939 ballots counted, 51.3 percent support Proposition 1 and 48.7 percent oppose it. A simple majority is required for the measure to be approved.

Seattle - Pass

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-3-wins-despite-rejection-from-pierce-county/

Sound Transit is asking voters to approve Sound Transit 3, a mix of sales taxes (half-cent increase), property taxes (0.25-mill increase) and motor vehicle excise taxes (0.8 percent increase) collected for 15 years.

Sound Transit 3 has passed, despite Pierce County voters’ rejection of the measure.

Spokane - Pass

http://www.kxly.com/news/spokane-news/spokane-transit-prop-1-passes/42428916

Spokane Transit Authority is asking for an additional sales and use tax of up to 2/10 of 1 percent, 1/1oth effective April 1, 2017 and the second 1/10th effective April 1, 2019, both expiring no later than December 31, 2028.

Spokane voters approved Proposition 1 on Tuesday, funding Spokane Transit's expansion of service.

Wyoming

Jackson and Teton Counties - Fail

http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/election/mayor/just-votes-decide-winner-in-mayoral-race/article_6f2473e9-da70-52b3-94de-cd8a74090175.html

A general revenue sales tax increase to fund housing and transportation. If passed, it would generate about $12 million a year.