美国城市研究所-加州的基础设施挑战（英文）-2020.7-10页_213kb

California's Infrastructure Challenges Summary

Core Content

Proposition 15, a 2020 ballot initiative in California, aims to reform the state's property tax system by taxing commercial and industrial properties based on their market value rather than their purchase price. This reform, often referred to as a "split roll" policy, would not affect residential property taxation and would exempt agricultural properties and those owned by individuals or businesses with less than $3 million in total holdings. Additionally, it would eliminate personal property taxes for small businesses (with 50 or fewer employees) and exempt other businesses from taxes on the first $500,000 of personal property value.

The proposition is expected to generate an additional $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion in annual revenue, which would be allocated to K-12 public schools (40%) and other local government services (60%) such as infrastructure, police protection, and hospitals. This would shift California's revenue mix, reducing reliance on volatile state income taxes and increasing local funding for essential services.

Key Points

Infrastructure Overview

• Definition: Infrastructure includes highways, roads, bridges, transit, broadband, water treatment, and public buildings.
• Fiscal Challenges: California's infrastructure spending has historically been similar to the US average, but it lags in some sectors like highways.
• Spending Distribution: About 80% of capital spending occurs at the local level, which is higher than the national average of two-thirds.
• Per Capita Spending: In 2017, California spent $1,124 per resident on capital outlays, slightly above the national average of $1,113.

Infrastructure Condition

• Report Card Grades: California's infrastructure received mediocre grades from the American Society of Civil Engineers, with many categories scoring below a C.
• Transportation: 41% of state roads were in good condition in 2017, while the rest were in fair to poor condition. Many counties had poor pavement scores.
• Congestion: Three of California's urban areas ranked in the top 15 most congested places in the US in 2017, costing commuters over $2,600 annually in delays and fuel costs.
• Regional Disparities: Infrastructure performance varies significantly across regions, with urban areas generally performing better than rural and smaller communities.

Funding Challenges

• Bond Reliance: Due to state and local revenue limitations (e.g., Propositions 13, 218, 26), California has increasingly relied on bonds for infrastructure funding.
• Debt Service: Approximately half of all infrastructure spending goes to debt service rather than construction.
• Deferred Maintenance: California has a $78 billion deferred maintenance backlog, heavily concentrated in transportation ($57 billion) and water resources ($13 billion).

Proposition 15 Impact

• Revenue Addition: Proposition 15 would add an estimated $6 billion annually to local government budgets.
• Predictability: This revenue would provide a more stable and predictable source, helping address long-term infrastructure needs and regional inequities.
• Climate Change: The proposition could support efforts to prepare for climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Main Views

• Current Tax System: The existing property tax system under Proposition 13 has led to underfunded infrastructure due to low assessed values and limited growth.
• Need for Reform: California's infrastructure condition and funding challenges require a more sustainable and reliable revenue source.
• Benefits of Proposition 15: The proposition could provide a steady revenue stream to support infrastructure improvements, enhance public services, and address regional disparities.
• Local Variability: Infrastructure needs and performance vary significantly across localities, especially in response to climate change and population growth.

Key Information

• Proposition 15 Revenue: $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion annually.
• Allocation: 40% to K-12 schools, 60% to local government services.
• Tax Changes: Commercial and industrial properties taxed at market value, not purchase price.
• Exemptions: Agricultural properties, small businesses, and certain personal property values are exempt.
• Funding Source: The reform would reduce reliance on volatile income taxes and increase local funding for infrastructure.
• Deferred Maintenance: $78 billion in deferred maintenance, with $57 billion in transportation and $13 billion in water resources.

Conclusion

Proposition 15 represents a potential solution to California's infrastructure funding challenges by introducing a more equitable and stable tax system. It could provide significant and predictable revenue to support infrastructure improvements, address regional disparities, and enhance preparedness for climate change. However, the success of the proposition depends on its implementation and the ability of local governments to use the funds effectively.