A new roundup of Walkability Wins highlighting the 2024 election. This month, we’re showcasing the popularity of the movement by highlighting more places across the country who are transforming mobility and advancing pedestrian-friendly agendas.
Richland County, South Carolina
Richland County voters have decisively supported the continuation of the 1 percent sales and use tax, initially established in 2012, to fund vital transportation infrastructure projects. This extension will enable the county to raise up to $4.5 billion over the next 25 years, ensuring the completion of existing and new transportation projects, including improvements to the public transit system. This vote allows the county to collect up to $4.5 billion over the next 25 years, earmarking a substantial portion for The COMET enhancement projects. This focused investment underscores the county’s commitment to expanding and improving its public transportation system.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco voters have passed Proposition K, which permanently closes a 2-mile stretch of the city’s Upper Great Highway to vehicular traffic from Lincoln way to Sloat Boulevard. This decision transforms the roadway into a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly oceanfront park. Despite concerns about increased traffic on alternative routes, the measure drew significant support from younger and progressive voters, alongside endorsements from influential figures like Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman. This initiative aims to foster a safer, more accessible coastal experience for all San Franciscans.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville voters decisively approved a transformative transit plan with a 65.5% majority, marking a significant win. This plan will enable the funding of extensive upgrades to the city’s bus system and sidewalks through a half-cent sales tax increase. As a result, Nashville will change its status as one of the few large U.S. metro areas without dedicated transit funding. This investment is a pivotal step in modernizing Nashville’s infrastructure and supporting its growth.
Columbus, Ohio
Franklin County voters have passed a pivotal shift in transportation by approving a sales tax levy to fund the ambitious LinkUS plan. The LinkUS significantly enhances the region’s connectivity through expanded bus services, rapid bus lines, and over 500 miles of new sidewalks and bike paths. This decision to support this plan, voted by 57% of voters, marks a historic step toward transforming Columbus into a more accessible and interconnected urban environment.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride voters supported a tax increase to secure the future of their unique, free-to-ride gondola connecting the town with Mountain Village. By passing Measure 3A, this gondola, a vital transit link that reduces traffic and emissions while carrying over 3 million passengers annually, is a hallmark of regional accessibility. The approved funding of $8.2 million annually will allow the regional transportation authority to be in charge gondola and begin saving for its eventual replacement. This financial commitment ensures that the gondola will continue to serve as a critical part of Telluride’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable travel in the region.
To catch up on previous installments of Walkability Wins, visit our blog. Have a win? Send it to us: social@americawalks.org.
