Phoenix: A Case Study Phoenix: A Case Study in in Try, Try, Try AgainTry, Try, Try Again

Moderator: David Schwartz, Friends of Moderator: David Schwartz, Friends of TransitTransit

Gary Kaasa, Cantelme and KaasaGary Kaasa, Cantelme and Kaasa

Peggy Bilsten, Phoenix CouncilmemberPeggy Bilsten, Phoenix Councilmember

Penny Pfaelzer, Pfaelzer Johns Amen & Penny Pfaelzer, Pfaelzer Johns Amen & DeanDean

Jack Tevlin, former Phoenix Deputy City Jack Tevlin, former Phoenix Deputy City ManagerManager

Transit Elections Transit Elections HistoryHistory 1989: ValTrans - Regional1989: ValTrans - Regional 1994: Proposition 400 - Regional1994: Proposition 400 - Regional 1996: Proposition 400 - Tempe 1996: Proposition 400 - Tempe

(successful)(successful) 1997: Proposition 1 - Phoenix and 1997: Proposition 1 - Phoenix and

ScottsdaleScottsdale 1998: Question #1 - Chandler1998: Question #1 - Chandler 1998: Qualify of Life Tax - Mesa 1998: Qualify of Life Tax - Mesa

(successful)(successful) 2000: Proposition 2000 - Phoenix 2000: Proposition 2000 - Phoenix

(successful)(successful) 2001: Proposition 402 - Glendale 2001: Proposition 402 - Glendale

(successful)(successful)

ValTrans (regional) – ValTrans (regional) – FailedFailed

ValTrans (1989) was a 1/2 cent ValTrans (1989) was a 1/2 cent sales tax proposed to generate sales tax proposed to generate nearly $100 million for a multi-nearly $100 million for a multi-modal rapid transit system for the modal rapid transit system for the entire region. It included light rail entire region. It included light rail and buses.and buses.

Proposition 400 Proposition 400 (regional) – Failed(regional) – Failed

Proposition 400 (1994) was a Proposition 400 (1994) was a regional 1/2 cent sales tax regional 1/2 cent sales tax increase that included funding for increase that included funding for the Regional Transit Plan.the Regional Transit Plan.

Proposition 400 Proposition 400 (Tempe) – Succeeds(Tempe) – Succeeds

Tempe residents (1996) vote to Tempe residents (1996) vote to increase local sales tax to fund increase local sales tax to fund improved transit services.improved transit services.

Proposition 1 Proposition 1 (Phoenix, Scottsdale) – (Phoenix, Scottsdale) – FailedFailedWith Tempe’s success, Phoenix and With Tempe’s success, Phoenix and

Scottsdale plan local transit Scottsdale plan local transit referendums (1997). Both failed, referendums (1997). Both failed, with Phoenix losing by only 122 with Phoenix losing by only 122 votes.votes.

Transit 2000 (Phoenix) Transit 2000 (Phoenix) – Succeeds!– Succeeds!

Transit 2000 passes by a 2 to 1 margin. Transit 2000 passes by a 2 to 1 margin.

Transit 2000 (Phoenix) Transit 2000 (Phoenix) – Succeeds!– Succeeds!

Phoenix Transit Plan includes:Phoenix Transit Plan includes: Light RailLight Rail Expanded Local Bus ServiceExpanded Local Bus Service Bus Rapid Transit ServiceBus Rapid Transit Service Enhanced Dial-A-Ride ServiceEnhanced Dial-A-Ride Service Bus Pull-outs, Bike Lanes, and Bus Pull-outs, Bike Lanes, and

Left-turn ArrowsLeft-turn Arrows