Transit Action Network (TAN)

Transit Action Network interviews Councilman Russ Johnson and KCATA Director of System Development, Dick Jarrold, about the upcoming election on August 5. In-depth discussion of the ballot for the proposed expansion of the KC streetcar system and the Prospect Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)/ MAX. The discussion will focus on how the streetcar plan differs from light rail and the MAX, what is a Transportation Development District, what is actually on  the ballot and why the ballot language differs so much from the streetcar recommendations adopted by the city.

When: Tuesday, July 8 at 6 pm

Where: KKFI 90.1 FM Community Radio

Podcast of show: Radio Active Magazine for July 8

The streetcar/MAX question is the last item on the August 5th ballot and although the ballot looks very long, several pages describe the boundaries of the Transportation Development District (TDD) (much easier to see in the picture) and several pages describe the types of taxes allowed and the maximum tax rates that can be applied, if the city gets enough money  (TDD taxes and assessments plus Federal match plus additional sources) to build a “substantial” portion of the project.

TDD boundary and proposed routes

Ballot, Resolution,Transit Studies and Interactive Map

Aug 5, 2014 Ballot (from KC election board) in parts of Kansas City, Missouri 08.05.14_sample_ballot_ISSUES

Resolution passed by city council regarding streetcar expansion Resolution 140227

SW corner of TDD

Next Rail Final Expansion Report

Prospect MAX Final Planning Report June 2014

Link to Interactive map to identify properties (blue on the map) in the potential property assessment area (1/3 mile from potential tracks)

A summary of the KC streetcar/MAX election on August 5th:

No taxes will be collected as a result of the August 5^th election for the KC streetcar expansion plan. No tax rates are even authorized for future collection.

This election sets up a taxing district and potential tax rates. If the first vote passes, then a second election on November 4^th will set actual tax rates and authorize collection of  taxes.

If passed, this election would:

1. Create the Kansas City Urban Rail Transportation Development District (TDD)
2. Create a list of potential taxing methods –Sales tax, property assessment, and surface parking lot assessment
3. Define the boundaries for the whole district for the potential sales tax
   1. Maximum sales tax rate is 1 percent
4. Define the smaller boundary for the potential real property assessment (maximum of 1/3 mile from the tracks)
5. Define potential real property assessment rates and identify which groups would pay those rates
   1. Residential – Maximum yearly property assessment for a $100,000 property is $133
   2. Commercial – Maximum yearly property assessment for $1 million property is $1,540
   3. Kansas City – Maximum yearly property assessment for $1 million property is $3,328
   4. Non-profits, including churches and schools – Maximum yearly property assessment for $1 million property is $896 (property value of $300,000 or less pays $0)
6. Limit the transit projects that can be built in the district and describe their general location
   1. Streetcars or light/rail and a new MAX line
   2. Generally on Main Street, Independence Ave, and Linwood Blvd. for the streetcar and Prospect Ave and 12^th Street for the MAX
   3. Length of the routes or the farthest eastern or southern stops are not identified or guaranteed
7. Create a new Board of Directors of the District
8. Restrict collection of the taxes until the new TDD Board decides sufficient funds are collected to build a “substantial amount of the project”.
   1. Substantial is not defined
9. If both elections pass, then the Downtown Streetcar TDD will be abolished and absorbed into this new district.