Cities often find themselves snarled in traffic, but too broke to fund better transportation choices. While a Principal at Nelson\Nygaard, Siegman & Associates founder Patrick Siegman helped San Marcos chart a better course.

The San Diego Union Tribune describes the ground-breaking funding approach: a transit district, funded by fees on new development, is raising funds for what will become the city’s first citywide shuttle service.

"San Marcos is collecting bus fare for the future, through a transit district that will pay for what could become the first citywide shuttle service in North County a decade from now.

The district, created in June, requires owners of new business properties, condos or apartment buildings to pay special taxes toward a free shuttle service. The line would link Palomar College and Cal State San Marcos with shopping areas and business centers.…

San Marcos officials say the district gives the city a head start in handling the growth and traffic they expect in coming years."

The city is the first in California to use the state's Community Facilities District laws to fund transit.

Continue reading at the San Diego Union Tribune.

Image courtesy of the City of San Marcos