As election season heats up, we’re exploring local ballot measures that will shape the future of our communities—especially when it comes to land use, infrastructure investments, and housing.

With hundreds of local initiatives on the table, I’ve sifted through dozens of land use and infrastructure measures to give you insights into key issues communities are grappling with. These ballot measures are hoping to 

• Increase resources via bond issuances and new tax structures. For instance, Charlotte’s three ballot measures aim to issue $400 million in bonds for infrastructure, housing, and neighborhood investments. 

• Prioritize investments that mean the most to voters. In Honolulu, voters will decide whether to allocate 0.5% of property tax revenues to a new Climate Resiliency Fund. 

• Streamline processes to get projects done more efficiently. California’s Prop 5 aims to speed up projects by reducing voting thresholds from 67% to 50% for infrastructure and development initiatives.

There’s still time to dive into your local ballot measures. I highly recommend checking out Ballotpedia.org, my go-to resource during election season. Keep on reading to learn more and…

Let’s keep building better cities,

Founder and CEO, Building Better Cities

Four ballot measures that could make meaningful change for the cities they are approved (or denied) in:

1. Oklahoma approved TIFs in ‘92 will they approve Public Infrastructure Districts 32 years later?

2. South Pasadena voters are split over upzoning reforms but face penalties if housing production halts- what will they do?

3. Nashville tests voters with another mobility initiative; after a failed attempt in 2018, will it work this time?

4. NYC’s waste (and rat) problem is going to the voters- will they decide to expand sanitation services?

It’s finally here! We are three episodes in and going strong! Take a listen to Building Better Cities on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to follow/subscribe/like and share with your network!

Let’s connect! I would love to hear from you and learn more about your work. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a conversation. In the meantime, please forward this email, subscribe your friends, and follow @KateGasparro to stay in touch.