Why do transportation sales tax measures succeed?

Thesis (M.P.P.A., Public Policy and Administration) -- California State University, Sacramento, 2011.Local governments in California currently lack the funds to maintain their local roads and transit system. Under the reasonable assumption that further state or federal aid to do this is not likely, local officials must plan for how to raise the needed funds on their own. The addition of a local sales tax is an option, but the two-thirds majority vote, required in most cases, is an obstacle. This thesis uses regression analysis to determine the local factors that explain the success of past sales tax measures. This information, along with a review of the literature and interviews with stakeholders, offers policymakers suggestions about the viability of this option for raising local funds.\ud I found demographic factors are a significant factor in the success of a transportation sales tax measure. While local officials cannot change these factors, the success of these taxes is not out of their control. A better understanding of the general tendencies of voters can help policy makers as they develop future measures.Public Policy and Administratio