Title
Adoption of Resolution Opposing Proposition 6 on the November 2018 Ballot, which would Repeal the Recent Gas Tax Increase and Eliminate $15 Million in Transportation Funding for Alameda. (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In March 2017, the City of Alameda prepared a notice of support for Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), stating the measure provides desperately needed funding for the state and local transportation network.
Proposition 6 on the November 2018 ballot would repeal this measure, eliminate $15 million in funding for Alameda road repairs and other improvements, including sidewalk repair, the Encinal Avenue Pavement Project, and 59 new Alameda County Transit Hybrid buses.
The attached resolution allows the City Council to oppose Proposition 6 and be listed as a member of the No on Proposition 6 coalition, a diverse coalition of local governments, public safety organizations, business, labor, environmental leaders, transportation advocates, and other organizations throughout the state.
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda’s adopted Legislative Agenda supports state transportation funding for stable and reliable revenue streams for transportation reconstruction and maintenance that is available for local priorities and transportation needs; implementation of the City-wide Transportation Choices Plan and other City transportation efforts to minimize traffic congestion; and transit access to Oakland and BART.
In March 2017, the City of Alameda prepared a notice of support for Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which provides desperately needed funding for the state and local transportation network. SB 1 was a comprehensive transportation proposal inclusive of sensible reforms, modest increases to existing revenue sources including the gas tax and vehicle license fee, and robust infrastructure investment.
In June 2018, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 69, which constitutionally dedicated all current sources of state transportation monies to transportation purposes. Eighty-four (84) percent of voters in the City of Alameda voted yes on Proposition 69.
DISCUSSION
Proposition 6 would cut $15 million in funding for Alameda road repairs and improvements in the City of Alameda, including:
• $1.3 million annually for street and sidewalk repair;
• $8 million for the Encinal Avenue Pavement Project, which includes upgrading the curb ramps, crosswalks, and improving Broadway/Encinal Avenue to Sherman Street; and
• 59 new AC Transit Hybrid buses.
The California Department of Finance reported the average motorist will pay roughly 32 cents per day, $10 per month, or about $120 per year as a result of gas tax and motor vehicle registration fee increases approved in SB 1.
At the same time, TRIP, a nonprofit organization that researches transportation issues, estimates that residents of the San Francisco-Oakland urbanized areas currently spend $1,049 per year on vehicle repairs due to driving on poor roads.
Statewide, cities and counties own and operate more than 81 percent of streets and roads in California. Proposition 6 would eliminate more than $52 billion over the next 10 years in existing statewide transportation funding, including $15 billion in direct apportionments and $11 billion in available competitive grant funding, to cities and counties statewide. These funding cuts would jeopardize public safety by eliminating thousands of projects to fix unsafe bridges and overpasses, repair crumbling and unsafe roads, and enhance pedestrian safety.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City that would result from the adoption of this resolution.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
There is no impact to the Alameda Municipal Code from the adoption of this resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of this resolution will not result in a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from CEQA and Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution opposing Proposition 6 on the November 2018 ballot, which would repeal the recent gas tax increase and eliminate $15 million in transportation funding for Alameda.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Impacts of Proposition 6