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

1
Phoenix A Case Study in Try, Try, Try Again

• Moderator David Schwartz, Friends of Transit
• Gary Kaasa, Cantelme and Kaasa
• Peggy Bilsten, Phoenix Councilmember
• Penny Pfaelzer, Pfaelzer Johns Amen Dean
• Jack Tevlin, former Phoenix Deputy City Manager

2
Transit Elections History

• 1989 ValTrans - Regional
• 1994 Proposition 400 - Regional
• 1996 Proposition 400 - Tempe (successful)
• 1997 Proposition 1 - Phoenix and Scottsdale
• 1998 Question 1 - Chandler
• 1998 Qualify of Life Tax - Mesa (successful)
• 2000 Proposition 2000 - Phoenix (successful)
• 2001 Proposition 402 - Glendale (successful)

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ValTrans (regional) Failed

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

4
Proposition 400 (regional) Failed

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

5
Proposition 400 (Tempe) Succeeds

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

6
Proposition 1 (Phoenix, Scottsdale) Failed

• With Tempes success, Phoenix and Scottsdale plan
  local transit referendums (1997). Both failed,
  with Phoenix losing by only 122 votes.

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Transit 2000 (Phoenix) Succeeds!

• Transit 2000 passes by a 2 to 1 margin.

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Transit 2000 (Phoenix) Succeeds!

• Phoenix Transit Plan includes
• Light Rail
• Expanded Local Bus Service
• Bus Rapid Transit Service
• Enhanced Dial-A-Ride Service
• Bus Pull-outs, Bike Lanes, and Left-turn Arrows