Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke

Edmundo Mendez, Jr./City of Chandler

Voter approval of Proposition 479 in the upcoming general election is vital for maintaining and improving Chandler’s and our region’s high-quality infrastructure while supporting economic growth and job creation.

Extending the existing half-cent sales tax for transportation allows continued investment in Chandler and across Maricopa County. Keeping commute times low and reducing freeway congestion ensures a better quality of life for all residents.

Regionally, it will generate $24 billion for transportation projects, funding the construction of freeways and enhancements to our local streets and transportation system.

Prop 479 will provide Chandler an estimated $872 million in direct transportation investments over the next 20 years. It will help reduce congestion, improve travel safety and connect our city to the broader region.

This vote is not just about roads and mobility, it’s about our future. Prop 479 will allow us to keep pace with growth, maintain our economic vitality and build a sustainable, efficient transportation system for generations to come.

Hartke is the Mayor of Chandler and Chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.