How Prop. 479 would impact metro Phoenix transportation
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Traffic on I-10 in Phoenix in 2021. Photo: Courtney Pedroza/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The future of metro Phoenix transportation is on the ballot this year via a proposition that would continue a half-cent sales tax in Maricopa County.
Why it matters: Metro Phoenix has relied on this revenue stream for almost 40 years to fund projects like Loops 101, 202 and 303 and the light rail system.
- If voters fail to extend the tax, the Valley must completely overhaul how it funds new freeways, arterial road repairs and public transportation.
The big picture: Proposition 479 would continue the sales tax, which equates to about 5 cents on a $10 purchase, until 2045.
- That money, combined with state and federal transportation funds, would support a $28.2 billion plan approved by the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council.
By the numbers: The plan includes:
- 331 new freeway/highway lane miles
- 1,000 new or improved arterial lane miles
- Nearly 12 miles of new light rail
- More than 28 miles of Bus Rapid Transit
Threat level: The tax expires next year, so if the extension fails, proponents won't have time to try again before losing funding.
Flashback: A bipartisan coalition of leaders tried to get it on the November 2022 ballot but were blindsided by former Gov. Doug Ducey's veto of a bill permitting the county to present the tax extension to voters.
- In his veto letter, Ducey said "now, with inflation higher than it has been in 40 years, is not the time to ask Arizona voters to tax themselves."
Catch up quick: Last year, lawmakers allowed the ballot proposition to move forward.
- Democrats had to agree to prohibit the regional tax from being used for light rail expansion to get enough Republican support.
- Yes, but: The region can still use federal funds to pay for rail.
The intrigue: Prop. 479 has a wide range of supporters, including every mayor in Maricopa County, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and AARP Arizona.
The other side: Arizona's most conservative organizations, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and Goldwater Institute, oppose the tax extension, mainly because of the portion of funding that will be used to support public transportation projects.