Following is a sampling of the November 5 outcome of several state and local ballot proposals on transportation, school construction, and economic development that will affect the design community.

Transportation
Transportation ballot questions received a generally negative reaction on Election Day. Northern Virginia voters shot down a proposal to impose a half-cent increase in the sales and use tax for construction and renovation of transportation projects. The counties of Eastern Virginia nixed a similar proposal that would have allowed the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission to bond out nearly $6 billion.

Across the country, Washington State voters defeated a major transportation initiative, Referendum 51. The unsuccessful measure would have, among other revenue-generating actions, increased the gas tax by 9 cents per gallon and allowed the state to bond out $4.5 million. Funds would have then been used for state road and rail projects, and, although deemed controversial, the measure had the support of the legislature and Gov. Gary Locke (D).

Alaskans passed Proposition B, which will allow the state to bond more than $225 million for transportation projects. Californians, meanwhile, rejected a proposal that would have shifted sales tax revenue from the sale of new and used cars to mass transportation and road improvement projects.

School construction
California passed Prop 46, allowing the state to bond more than $13 billion for new construction, renovation, and repair of its schools. Another $11 billion will be allocated for K-12 school facilities, and $1.65 billion will go toward higher education facilities.

The people of Utah passed Amendment 1, which increases fees imposed on storage and disposal of radioactive waste. Eighty percent of the revenues would be directed toward Utah's schools. In Virginia, voters approved Question 1, allowing the Commonwealth to sell bonds to pay for capital projects at state-supported colleges, universities, museums, and other educational facilities. Voters in Oregon endorsed Measure 15, authorizing the state to issue debt for the seismic rehabilitation of public-education buildings.

Floridians approved an amendment to reduce class size in pre-kindergarten school facilities. The state also must now construct sufficient school facilities so that no more than 18 students are in a class for grades pre-kindergarten–3; 22 students for grades 4–8; and 25 students for grades 9–12.

Economic development
Georgia voters consented special tax incentives to encourage the redevelopment of blighted properties, and Oklahomans okayed the state's local governments to issue bonds for economic development purposes.

Local government, municipal ballot questions
Los Angeles residents passed an earthquake and fire safety bond while voters in Loudoun County, Va., approved a proposal to bond $8.8 million for public safety projects.

For more information, contact Jonathan Levy, program manager, State and Local Affairs, 202-626-7513 or by email.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.