MOMENTUM Plan Aligned with Proposition 479 for Transportation Growth

Proposition 479 Overview

Proposition 479 aims to extend a half-cent sales tax that funds transportation projects. This tax, first introduced in 1985, was renewed in 2004. If approved, the tax will continue through 2045, raising $14.9 billion to support essential transportation projects. The funding will help expand and maintain the transportation system as the population grows.

Impact of Proposition 479

If passed, Proposition 479 will not only help Phoenix maintain its competitive commute times, but it will also ensure that these times remain among the best in the country. According to MAG's projections, with this investment, the average 30-minute commute time can still be achieved by 2050. This is remarkable, especially considering the expected population growth of 1.7 million people and the addition of 900,000 new jobs in the region.

Key outcomes include:

• A 33% reduction in afternoon commute times compared to not building.
• 51,000 fewer hours of daily congestion on major freight routes.
• A 12% increase in amenities accessible within a 30-minute drive.
• $2.4 billion in new economic activity each year.
• $1.6 billion in savings for businesses due to reduced travel and logistics costs.
• 31,600 jobs created annually, 70% of which will be medium to high-wage positions.

How Funds Will Be Allocated

Proposition 479 will allocate 40.5% of sales tax revenue to freeways, 22.5% to arterial roads, and 37% to transit projects. Combined with federal and state contributions, total projected revenue by 2045 will reach $28.2 billion.

Key Projects and Programs

The MOMENTUM plan includes:

• $13.7 billion for freeways, including new lanes and interchanges.
• $9.3 billion for public transit, like light rail and bus rapid transit.
• Investments in arterial roads, safety, and non-motorized infrastructure, like bike lanes.
• $800 million for technology to improve traffic management and prepare for future advancements.