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Mind the Funding Gap: Transit Financing in Los Angeles County and Metro Vancouver

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew Lesch

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

Across North American cities, the demand for better public transit is pervasive, yet many local governments lack sufficient revenue to finance the construction of new infrastructure. To resolve this dilemma, some localities have turned to citizens directly, proposing temporary, earmarked, sales tax increases as a way to finance capital-intensive projects. Why have some communities been more receptive to this funding model than others? This study addresses this question by comparing the recent experiences of Los Angeles County (2008), where a ballot measure to raise money for transportation was successful and Metro Vancouver (2015), where a similar public vote was unsuccessful. The analysis demonstrates the importance of political trust, issue framing, policy design, and coalition-building when engaging public support. The findings offer important lessons for other municipalities looking to invest in their public transportation systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Lesch, 2019. "Mind the Funding Gap: Transit Financing in Los Angeles County and Metro Vancouver," IMFG Papers 43, University of Toronto, Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance.
    • Handle: RePEc:mfg:wpaper:43
    as

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    File URL: https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/93968/1/imfgpaper_no43_transitfinancing_mattlesch_march_21_2019.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2019
    Download Restriction: no
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    Cited by:

    1. Zack Taylor & Alec Dobson, 2020. "Power and Purpose:Canadian Municipal Law in Transition," IMFG Papers 47, University of Toronto, Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    transit; taxes; ballot measures; municipal finance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • H71 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • R42 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government and Private Investment Analysis; Road Maintenance; Transportation Planning

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