The road ahead
Transportation system featuring light rail,
freeways key to Valley growth
By Sarah Stecko
Commercial Executive Magazine
The cover story of the June 26 Phoenix Business Journal weighs in on the proposition to expand and improve transportation by increasing the sales tax in Phoenix.
Both sides of this highly anticipated debate and further discussion were covered at Valley Partnership’s June breakfast. The speakers’ spirited conversation on transportation planning revolved around the same question: “How will the decisions we make today impact transportation in 50 years?”
Even in the crowded room, a pin drop could heard once the first two speakers from the City of Phoenix’s initiative, “MovePHX,” kicked off the presentation with their cases both supporting and opposing Prop 104.
If passed, Prop 104 would raise the sales tax to generate $30 billion for the infrastructure and transportation improvement plan over the next 35 years.
In a city where potholes are only addressed every 65 years, a new plan is worth discussing before the current tax system expires. The moderator, Shannon Scutari, President of Scutari & Co., got the panelist conversation going with some key words to think about when it comes to transportation: access, mobility and connectivity.
The expansion of the light rail and enhanced accessibility of public transportation is a driving force in development decisions today. New development such as corporate centers and technology companies are especially targeting areas that provide convenient access for their employees to commute via light rail, bus, bicycle, etc.
A recent move by State Farm Insurance to open a regional headquarters off of a light rail stop in Tempe displays the heightened demand for connectivity that encourages the “work, live, play” trend.
According to the panel, the state gas tax hasn’t been increased since 1991, so it’s about time revenues for transportation are adjusted to meet the need of updating freeways and infrastructure to accommodate projected growth.
“Just like the downtown revitalization, these decisions are ones that need to be made decades before the ribbon will be cut in front of new businesses attracted by the improved transportation means,” Scutari said.
Prop 104 will go before voters on Aug. 25.
Panelist highlights:
> Charley Freericks, President, DMB Associates: “Over the next few decades, the population is going to be moving in toward the city. That’s why we need to be thinking about improving transportation now. Once you recognize who the ‘customer’ is, it’ll all come into focus.”
> Mayor John Giles, City of Mesa: “I truly believe the light rail expansion (beginning Aug. 22) will serve as an economic development system to beautiful, historic downtown Mesa. Communities need to have impressive, vibrant downtowns in order to succeed.”
> Mike Kies, Director of Multi-Modal Planning, ADOT: “ADOT is pushing to raise Arizona’s rank in global competition by focusing on a key commerce corridor plan, such as the I-11 to become a connector to Las Vegas for a faster travel time. Companies will see us as a reliable source to ship their product efficiently.”
Dates to remember:
July 24: July breakfast
Nov. 7: 2015 Valley Partnership Community Project, Florence Crittenton Services of Arizona, Scottsdale Girls Ranch
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