Utah

State Gas Tax Changes, Up and Down, Took Effect January 1

In case you were wondering if any state gas taxes, other than Utah as previously posted, changed on New Years Day—eight others did, but only slightly, due to required, automatic adjustments. Most telling was that more went down than up.

January 6, 2016 - Tax Justice Blog

Utah's New Years Day Surprise: Nickel Gas and Diesel Tax Increase

The fuel tax increases in the Beehive State by 4.9 cents on Friday. But don't count on gas prices increasing. Not only are prices dropping due to plummeting crude oil prices, but service station owners may be reluctant to pass on the increase.

December 31, 2015 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Mixed Election Results in Utah on Transportation Sales Tax Proposition

Prop. 1, a quarter-cent sales tax that would benefit public transit in Wasatch Range counties, passed in 10 counties but was defeated in seven, including the populous Salt Lake County where supporters have yet to concede due to the narrow loss.

November 8, 2015 - The Salt Lake Tribune

The Salt Lake City Recipe: Remove Parking, Add Bike Lanes, Watch Sales Increase

A new study of the benefits of a bike lane project in Salt Lake City adds to the body of work suggesting that complete streets overhauls are a good investment for both the public and the private sectors.

October 7, 2015 - People for Bikes

America's Second Protected Intersection Now Open

The first protected intersection opened in August in Davis, Calif., a university town with the nation's highest percentage of bike commuters. Salt Lake City's new protected intersection is explained on NPR's "Here & Now" report with audio and videos.

October 5, 2015 - WBUR

Planning for the 'Big One'—In Salt Lake City

Many people outside of Salt Lake City might not realize that the city's proximity to the Wasatch Fault puts it at risk for an earthquake likely in the range of 7.1 on the Richter scale.

October 1, 2015 - Next City

Poll: Utah Residents Strongly Support Mixed-Use, Transit, and Walkability

Density isn't always a dirty word, apparently—as residents of Utah have voiced their support of more urban typologies to support its expected population growth over the next several decades.

September 8, 2015 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Selfie in action

What Makes a Streetscape Appeal to Pedestrians?

Researchers who studied the appeal of New York City streetscapes find an additionally significant factor on the streets of Salt Lake City: the photo op.

August 12, 2015 - CityLab

Utah's Disappearing Salt Flats Cause Controversy

A well-attended racing event was cancelled for the second year in a row on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Organizers are worried the salt flats might never be the same.

August 4, 2015 - Associated Press via Detroit Free Press

An Unexpected Advocate for Utah's Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Fee

One would expect the Utah Taxpayers Association to oppose county measures to increase general sales taxes by .25 percent to fund transportation programs, so their endorsement of an alternative revenue option, the mileage fee, is surprising.

July 25, 2015 - Utah Taxpayers Association

Salt Lake City Trax and Bike

This Transit Authority is a Model of Bike-Friendliness

The Utah Transit Authority wants riders to try biking rather than driving to rail and transit stations, so they are offering $60 in giveaways to people that choose not to do so. Some stations come equipped with air pumps and repair stands.

July 17, 2015 - Deseret News

Salt Lake City Region Targets Transit, Bikes in New 25-Year Strategic Plan

With the population of Utah expected to double in the next 25 years, a new regional transportation plan focuses on alternative transportation to achieve air quality benefits.

June 10, 2015 - Deseret News

The Partisan Transit Divide

It's not quite as simple as Republicans opposing transit and Democrats supporting it. It depends what level of government is discussing it. On the local level, demand for better transit can transcend partisan divides.

June 8, 2015 - Roll Call

First U.S. City to Build Protected Intersection for Bikes: Salt Lake City

An intersection configuration mastered by the Dutch is about to get its first showcase in the capital of Utah as part of a larger bike lane project through the center of the city.

May 7, 2015 - Streetsblog USA

Georgia to Increase Gas Tax Through Conversion to Excise Tax

Gov. Nathan Deal will sign legislation to increase gas taxes through a state sales tax conversion to an excise tax. With new weight-based truck fees, motel fees, and electric vehicle fees, it will add $1 billion in new transportation funding.

April 3, 2015 - WJBF Augusta

Idaho Gas Tax Debate Pits Truckers Against Motorists

The Idaho Trucking Association wants to reduce the state's $262 million road and bridge maintenance shortfall by passing a six-cent increase in the fuel tax over three years. The AAA opposes it because most of the bill will fall on motorists.

March 20, 2015 - Idaho Press-Tribune

'Envision Utah' a National Model for Long-Range Planning

An article in Governing thoroughly examines the historic and contemporary efforts of planning in Utah—especially the success of the Envision Utah planning process.

March 20, 2015 - Governing

Utah on Verge of Hiking Gas Tax by 21 Percent

Just before adjourning for the year, the Republican-controlled Utah House and Senate settled on a compromise—increase the gas tax by a nickel; the first hike in 18 years. Gov. Gary Herbert, also a Republican, has indicated he will sign the bill.

March 16, 2015 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Salt Lake City Launches '5,000 Doors' Initiative for Affordable Housing

Over a quarter of families in Salt Lake City pay half their income on rent, and between 2000 and 2011, median home values increased by 47 percent.

February 10, 2015 - Next City

Poll: Voters Remain Opposed To Raising State Gas Taxes

Notwithstanding plummeting gas prices, Keith Laing of The Hill reports on poll results that reveal an uphill battle for political leaders in Utah, Georgia, and New Jersey, who are advocating gas tax increases to fund roads, bridges, and transit.

January 26, 2015 - The Hill

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