Agenda Date: 10/02/2018
Subject:
Title
A resolution of the City of Littleton, Colorado, in support of "Let's Go, Colorado,” a citizen initiative designated as Initiative #153, to appear on the ballot as Proposition 110, to increase funding for statewide and local transportation needs.
Body
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Presented By: |
Mark Relph, City Manager |
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION:
Does city council support a resolution in support of "Let's Go, Colorado,” a citizen initiative designated as Initiative 153, to appear on the ballot as Proposition 110, that will increase funding for statewide and local transportation needs?
BACKGROUND:
Colorado's population has grown nearly 60 percent since 1991, while state transportation spending per driver, adjusted for inflation, has been cut in half over that same time period. Increased demand on roads and bridges has resulted in increased traffic congestion, lost worker productivity, and deep frustration among citizens. In addition, the Colorado Department of Transportation has identified $9 billion in much-needed projects that lack funding, while local communities also lack the resources necessary to fully address traffic congestion, maintenance, and safety.
The TRIP Report, “Colorado Transportation by the Numbers: Meeting the state’s need for safe, smooth, and efficient mobility,” estimates driving on deteriorated and congested roads costs Colorado drivers a total of $7.1 billion each year.
(TRIP report: <http://www.tripnet.org/docs/CO_Transportation_by_the_Numbers_TRIP_Report_2018.pdf>)
For these reasons, a bipartisan coalition of elected officials, business leaders, labor unions, environmentalists, transit groups, and community activists have joined together to ask voters to raise the state sales tax by .62 percent, or about six cents on a ten-dollar purchase, for transportation needs.
The measure is expected to raise $767 million in its first year and allow for bonding of $6 billion for state projects. Forty percent of the new revenue will go to county and municipal governments to address local transportation needs and 15 percent will go to multi-modal transit.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
Initiative #153, now Proposition 110 was mentioned during the August 14, 2018 study session as part of the transportation update. The attached memo and Littleton impacts documents were provided at the study session.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Proposition 110 would aid the city in funding transportation projects and place the city in a better position to serve its residents. In addition, the increased funding will allow more opportunity to leverage federal grant funding with match requirements.
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES:
Approve the resolution and show Littleton’s support for "Let's Go, Colorado,” a state citizen initiative appearing on the ballot as Proposition 110, to increase funding for statewide and local transportation needs.
Do not approve the resolution, creating the potential loss of opportunity for additional funding.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
As indicated in the July 24, 2018 memo (attached) and the corresponding “Littleton Impact of State Transportation Funding” document (also attached), the city could see as much as $31 million over 20 years from Proposition 110. This represents approximately 87% of the currently identified total transportation project needs. In addition, this funding could be leveraged for grant opportunities that often require a match, extending the city’s ability to fund deferred projects even further.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends supporting the resolution and showing Littleton’s support for "Let's Go, Colorado,” a state citizen initiative designated as Proposition 110, to increase funding for statewide and local transportation needs.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution of the City of Littleton, Colorado, in support of "Let's Go, Colorado,” a state citizen initiative designated as Proposition 110, to increase funding for statewide and local transportation needs.