After voters cast their ballots during the 2024 U.S. presidential election on November 5, several key state-level initiatives addressing public infrastructure faced mixed outcomes. 

The results could significantly shape public projects, budgeting priorities, and infrastructure resilience efforts nationwide, impacting facilities managers and planners in multiple states.

Oklahoma Says No to Infrastructure Districts

Oklahoma voters struck down a proposal to amend the state constitution and permit the creation of “public infrastructure districts” (PIDs). Known as State Question 833, the initiative would have allowed local municipalities to form special districts capable of issuing bonds for improvements like roads, water systems, and sidewalks. Opponents expressed concerns over potential tax burdens from special assessments, which could have reached $100 per $100,000 of property value. With 61.6% of voters rejecting the measure, the concept failed to move forward.

California’s High-Stakes Decisions

California voters considered two major infrastructure-related propositions. Proposition 4, which proposed $10 billion in bonds for projects enhancing water supply, combating sea-level rise, and advancing energy infrastructure, garnered strong support. As of November 10, preliminary results showed 58.9% of voters in favour. Advocates, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), heralded the measure as the state’s largest-ever investment in climate resilience, requiring 40% of funds to directly benefit vulnerable communities.

In contrast, Proposition 5, which sought to reduce the supermajority threshold for local bond approvals for affordable housing and public projects, failed to gain traction. Only 44.3% of voters supported the measure, leaving the existing 66.67% requirement unchanged.

A separate measure, Proposition 32, aimed to increase the state’s minimum wage from $16 to $18. Early results indicated a close race, with 51.3% of voters opposing the hike. Officials are still working to finalize the outcome.

North Dakota Maintains Property Taxes

In North Dakota, a contentious ballot measure aimed at eliminating property taxes was defeated. Measure 4 proposed replacing local property tax revenues with $3.15 billion in state funds every two years, a move critics said could destabilize public services. Voters rejected the measure, ensuring that property taxes tied to assessed values remain in place.

Rhode Island Backs Green Investments

Rhode Island voters overwhelmingly approved a $53 million green bond aimed at funding environmental infrastructure and recreational spaces. Known as Question 4, the measure allocates $10 million to the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for grants supporting municipal infrastructure improvements. Another $2 million is earmarked for initiatives restoring vulnerable areas and improving climate resilience. With approximately 67.4% of voters in favor, the measure signals the state’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges through targeted investment.

Broader Implications

While infrastructure funding and tax reform dominated several ballots, other states considered education-related measures with indirect links to public infrastructure. Kentucky and Nebraska voters rejected initiatives to divert public funds to nonpublic schools. In Kentucky, Constitutional Amendment 2, which sought to allow public dollars for private education, was rejected by over 64% of voters.

These results reflect the complexities of addressing infrastructure needs in an election year. While states like California and Rhode Island secured funding to tackle pressing environmental and infrastructure issues, the failure of measures in Oklahoma and North Dakota is proof of the challenges of gaining voter approval for more radical reforms. For facilities managers, engineers, and planners, the decisions made on November 5 will have far-reaching consequences, influencing project funding, planning priorities, and operational strategies in the years ahead.