Maps 4 Neighborhoods

[bradh]

I appreciate his intent but I do not like Boren's plan. Wish someone had a better idea. Allow cities to get something out of property taxes and not have to rely solely on sales tax.

[Midtowner]

I'm no voting Boren's plan because I know the same thing will happen with it which happened with the lottery despite Constitutional provisions forbidding the legislature from redirecting general funds, that's what's going to happen. This is the wrong kind of tax hike. Its simply delays the inevitable--the legislature removing all of the ill advised tax credits and cuts.

[gopokes88]

Same thoughts here voting no. Establish constitutional funding minimums first otherwise they'll just redirect other money

[Jersey Boss]

I'm no voting Boren's plan because I know the same thing will happen with it which happened with the lottery despite Constitutional provisions forbidding the legislature from redirecting general funds, that's what's going to happen. This is the wrong kind of tax hike. Its simply delays the inevitable--the legislature removing all of the ill advised tax credits and cuts.

An editorial in the Tulsa World that expands on your thoughts about school funding and the lack of will on what needs to be done. Also shows some of the impacts in the Tulsa area . Shame on the legislature and the Governor.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/ed...56b0083f1.html

[Pete]

Regardless of you feel about the Boren plan, it seems almost certain MAPS 4 will fail if they push it to the November 2016 ballot, rather than waiting for 2017 as had always been assumed.

So the question remains, why are the powers that be making this push? And why are thy lobbying to make it short (as little as 2 years) when others have been much longer collection periods?

I think it's safe to say they are not enthusiastic about this latest round of MAPS and what the citizen groups are clamoring for and don't really care if it passes. And if it does, they certainly want to keep it short so they can come back in a few years and push for the inevitable convention center expansion and other central-city big projects they have always championed in the past.

[onthestrip]

Regardless of you feel about the Boren plan, it seems almost certain MAPS 4 will fail if they push it to the November 2016 ballot, rather than waiting for 2017 as had always been assumed.

So the question remains, why are the powers that be making this push? And why are thy lobbying to make it short (as little as 2 years) when others have been much longer collection periods?

I think it's safe to say they are not enthusiastic about this latest round of MAPS and what the citizen groups are clamoring for and don't really care if it passes. And if it does, they certainly want to keep it short so they can come back in a few years and push for the inevitable convention center expansion and other central-city big projects they have always championed in the past.

Im guessing they are considering doing it this November to go head to head against Boren's education plan. Given the choice between the two, the MAPS folks might be assuming that they are the better choice for a penny tax. Or they might think that if Borens plan passes this year, that voters will want some sales tax relief next year and will not pass another MAPs tax.

And they might be considering rushing it to this years ballot as a way to limit the time for MAPs opponents to organize,

[Teo9969]

I really think they're afraid of the timing. In relationship to the next MAPS. Like onthestrip said: People may want a break next year...but if citizens pay the near 10% for a longer stretch, they'll get used to it.

[Laramie]

It will be a tough sell with the State budget crunch where we are about to experience cuts to the bone. I pay property taxes in Texas (30 acres/no homestead) as well as Oklahoma.

I certainly don't want my property taxes to go up any higher than they are already.

As usual with MAPS; there will not be a sales tax increase; simply a continuation...

The strategy being used may not be a plot to derail Boren's plan but more in line with timing of the MAPS III projects for the one's completed for the supporters to enjoy what has been accomplished in the current MAPS projects under construction. The completion of the Riversport Rapids Adventure will certainly play well for MAPS which is an established initiative that will get a good portion of support.

MAPS for Neighborhood may be a test or a sacrificial lamb offering; the most a two year extension will generate is $200 million in projected revenue. My question, what could you do in the neighborhoods that would have a meaningful affect other than some kind of infrastructure. The thing about infrastructure improvements like sewer and waste channels--they aren't as visible as structures like the arena, canal & ballpark.

[gopokes88]

It will be a tough sell with the State budget crunch where we are about to experience cuts to the bone. I pay property taxes in Texas (30 acres/no homestead) as well as Oklahoma.

I certainly don't want my property taxes to go up any higher than they are already.

As usual with MAPS; there will not be a sales tax increase; simply a continuation...

The strategy being used may not be a plot to derail Boren's plan but more in line with timing of the MAPS III projects for the one's completed for the supporters to enjoy what has been accomplished in the current MAPS projects under construction. The completion of the Riversport Rapids Adventure will certainly play well for MAPS which is an established initiative that will get a good portion of support.

MAPS for Neighborhood may be a test or a sacrificial lamb offering; the most a two year extension will generate is $200 million in projected revenue. My question, what could you do in the neighborhoods that would have a meaningful affect other than some kind of infrastructure. The thing about infrastructure improvements like sewer and waste channels--they aren't as visible as structures like the arena, canal & ballpark.

Sidewalks. I dk how many sidewalks $200 million buys but I bet it's a lot

[d-usa]

I don't know if sidewalks are something that they can dress up enough to get people to vote for it.

I would love to have functional sidewalks throughout the entire city, but it's hard to put a bow on that and get people excited.

[warreng88]

MAPS 4 probably won’t happen this year

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record May 20, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – Getting the next iteration of the multimillion-dollar MAPS sales tax issues on a ballot by November’s general election is an attractive notion but highly unlikely, city officials said.

“There’s been no decision made yet to put it on a ballot,” said Jonathan Dodson, spokesman for the MAPS 4 Neighborhoods grass-roots movement. “There’s a lot of work, obviously, that has to be done. If we had our druthers, we would hope to do it next year.”

Cynthia Reid, spokeswoman for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, said, “I don’t want to completely say there’s no way we could do a MAPS in November. I just think there’s pluses and minuses that will have to be taken into consideration before we can move forward.”

Although some public figures have mentioned a November vote on MAPS 4 – including promotional material for a town hall meeting Tuesday hosted by Ed Shadid – six months is not enough time to expect City Hall to seriously consider residents’ expectations and refine a project list, Dodson and others said.

The most recent Metropolitan Area Projects issue was approved by voters in December 2009. In his January 2007 State of the City address nearly three years earlier, Mayor Mick Cornett launched a public survey to gauge initial response with a press release that asked, “Should Oklahoma City consider a MAPS 3? If so, what types of projects should be included?”

The survey website accepted input for four months, producing more than 2,700 responses, with 85 percent expressing support for the issue. It was then set aside briefly to bring more public attention to upcoming bond issues for Oklahoma City Public Schools repairs and city streets.

It wasn’t until September 2009 that Cornett and City Council members announced the final list of MAPS 3 projects worth a total of $777 million, following months of town hall meetings and council discussions over fine details. Officials then called the election date and submitted the text to the county election board for approval and printing for the December ballot.

Dodson said members of his group felt they got a jump on shaping the direction of MAPS 4 in January this year as the coalition of neighborhood associations started holding meetings to discuss beautification efforts, bike lanes, an expanded bus system, school menus and a general sense of security in public spaces that includes street lighting and sidewalks. The group even went so far as to create a MAPS 4 Neighborhoods logo to promote their efforts and asked University of Oklahoma researchers to help identify the best modes of public engagement.

“We still feel like we still need to do more and hear from more people,” Dodson said.

The chamber of commerce campaigned heavily to get the previous MAPS issues passed, and Reid said the fourth wouldn’t be any different. Public education has been the key to success, she said, and the effort can’t be rushed.

“The short time frame and the crowded ballot is certainly a concern for us,” Reid said. “There’s other concerns as well, such as the potential for a school bond issue.”

The fourth MAPS might turn out to be an extension of current projects, she said, which would help shorten the campaign; starting over with a fresh concept would take longer.

Cornett said Friday that he wasn’t even sure yet what theme would shape the next MAPS project list, although top priorities would likely be public safety, street improvements and neighborhoods.

“We’re just talking about it right now to see where everybody is. I’ve only talked with a few council members, not all of them,” Cornett said. “It’s too early to know.”

None of the public officials contacted Friday could estimate when MAPS 4 might be put up for public vote.

[gopokes88]

Bad timing for their neighborhood meeting. Tuesday at 7pm, meanwhile one of the thunders biggest games ever will be going on.

[OkieDave]

Meeting at 7pm. Will essentially be over by time of tip-off at 8pm. First quarter never matters. More than 200 have signed up on Facebook knowing there was a game. Thunder have it in the bag anyway

[CCOKC]

I signed up not realizing that the Thunder game would be the same night. I would love to be at the meeting but I spend a lot of money for my season tickets for the pleasure of watching the Thunder in the playoffs. Hopefully the meeting will be recorded.

[Bellaboo]

Meeting at 7pm. Will essentially be over by time of tip-off at 8pm. First quarter never matters. More than 200 have signed up on Facebook knowing there was a game. Thunder have it in the bag anyway

What if you're going to the game ? You forget the meeting.

[krisb]

I attended the meeting and left a few minutes early to catch the game, not a big deal. Discussing the future of how we build our city will only help our big league status.

[okccowan]

I have voted yes on other MAPS and fully support MAPS 3. But I will not vote yes for a Maps for Neighborhoods. Using a temporary sales tax to fund neighborhood improvements is literally the worst possible idea. MAPS should only be used for major metro projects, like Bricktown Ballpark, DT Library, Streetcar system, River improvements, stadiums, etc. A temporary sales tax should never be used for "neighborhood" projects. Hopefully, this effort fails and we can get back to serious MAPS proposals in a couple years.

[gopokes88]

I have voted yes on other MAPS and fully support MAPS 3. But I will not vote yes for a Maps for Neighborhoods. Using a temporary sales tax to fund neighborhood improvements is literally the worst possible idea. MAPS should only be used for major metro projects, like Bricktown Ballpark, DT Library, Streetcar system, River improvements, stadiums, etc. A temporary sales tax should never be used for "neighborhood" projects. Hopefully, this effort fails and we can get back to serious MAPS proposals in a couple years.

If you want a MAPS 5 to keep getting all those things, better vote yes on MAPS 4 and hope it passes. Once a MAPS vote fails, program is likely toast. That's just the realistic pragmatic view.

[Pete]

http://newsok.com/article/5509972?ut...areBar-Twitter

Looks like this may not carry the MAPS brand.

[Pete]

Somebody out there has put up a new website with the obvious intention of dissuading people for voting for the Boren $.01 sales tax increase for education, with the implication it would kill MAPS:

http://okcunited.org/


Look at how this poll is worded:

[mkjeeves]

Not a new website, is it? just a change of an old website.

http://www.reddirtreport.com/red-dir...alyst-oklahoma

[Pete]

Yes, my mistake, definitely not new.

But this content is relatively new and a very thinly disguised purpose.

[d-usa]

I wonder if I could start a poll asking "If a sales tax increase would remove Mary Fallin from office, how would you vote" and then claim that it is any kind of referendum?

[LocoAko]

Yes, my mistake, definitely not new.

But this content is relatively new and a very thinly disguised purpose.

I don't know why, but every single time I go on Facebook this is one of the 'suggested' posts buried within my feed.

[bradh]

It's right, Boren's plan is bad.