Councilmember Proposes Parcel Tax to Fund Transportation Projects

Councilmember LaBonge said Wednesday that he will spearhead the charge to create a countywide parcel tax to raise $1.2 billion to make long-term infrastructure improvements to the region's transportation system, including extending the Red Line west to the ocean. Using a dollar bill to illustrate his point to signify one dollar assessed per parcel for every week of the year, or $52 dollars annual assessment, LaBonge urged the public to embrace the idea. "We need to make this investment if we are going to solve our mobility challenges," he said.

His remarks were part of a press conference to announce a 20-year Strategic Transportation Plan designed to analyze, develop and implement priority projects to ease congestion in Los Angeles and the region. LaBonge also said county officials should seek to lift a ban on heavy rail construction, which would require voter approval.