What is Proposition 479?
Proposition 479, on this year’s Maricopa County ballot, calls for the continuation of a dedicated half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects.
The tax, originally introduced in 1985 as Proposition 300 and updated by voters in 2004 as Proposition 400, has long been an important source of funding for transportation infrastructure.
A “yes” vote on Proposition 479 would extend the tax until 2045, and a “no” vote would cause the tax to expire at the end of 2025.
If the tax continues for 20 years, it is expected to raise $14.9 billion, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments.
What are the responsibilities of the Maricopa Association of Governments?
Since 1973, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has served as the region’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO), responsible for developing long-distance transportation plans. These plans outline which transportation projects are needed, how they will be financed, and construction schedules. Regionally significant transportation projects, regardless of funding source, must be included in MAG’s long-range transportation plan.
What impact will Proposition 479 have?
Of the 0.5 cent sales tax, approximately 40% goes toward highways and freeways, 22% goes toward street improvements and infrastructure, and 37% goes toward public transportation funding.
If the taxes don’t continue, the money will have to come from another source, perhaps the state or federal government.
This chart, created by the Maricopa Association of Governments, highlights the impact of the sales tax in question. It contributes far more to funding Maricopa County’s public transportation spending than any other source. Repealing this sales tax would put multiple ongoing projects at risk.
If things continue like this, extending the sales tax by half a cent would generate $14.9 billion in revenue over the next 20 years.
Additionally, revenue from this tax will support a variety of transportation improvements throughout the region, including:
Building new highways Expanding current highways Improving roads and intersections Maintaining existing transportation services and implementing new system expansions
“This is a funding source that is really helping us fund major regional infrastructure investments,” said John Bullen, deputy executive director of the Maricopa Association of Governments.
Business community perspective
In a statement submitted to the Maricopa County Elections Information Brochure, Arizona Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Danny Seiden and Vice President of Government Affairs Courtney Coolidge said the passage of Prop. 479 “responsible for these infrastructure investments. “This is essential to ensure the continuation of the project and sustain the region.” We are at the forefront of economic growth and prosperity. Safeguards are in place to ensure that taxpayers have access to their preferred mode of transportation and to ensure that no single mode of transportation captures a disproportionate share of public resources. ”
Similarly, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is an enthusiastic supporter.
“To shorten the daily commute and ease congestion on major roads and highways, we must pass Prop. 479. Keeping average commute times under 30 minutes is important for businesses as well as employees. It also helps with recruitment and retention,” said Todd Sanders, president and CEO. Jennifer Mellor, Director of Innovation, says: