Ohio voters reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to investing in critical transportation infrastructure on November 4, delivering strong support for local and regional improvement initiatives across the state. Of the 170 ballot measures related to roads, bridges and broader transportation systems, an overwhelming 84% won approval.
This strong backing underscores Ohioans’ consistent recognition of the role that well-maintained infrastructure plays in economic growth, public safety and quality of life. The results also reflect a slightly stronger level of support than the national trend: Across the country in 2025, 82% of state and local transportation funding measures passed, according to the latest data compiled by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) Transportation Investment Advocacy Center (TIAC).
Taken together, the outcomes in Ohio and nationwide signal continued voter willingness to pay for the modernization and maintenance of transportation networks – an encouraging indicator for policymakers and transportation agencies planning long-term investments.
Ohio Issue 2 – May 6
These General Election results cap off an exceptionally strong year for transportation funding in Ohio. Earlier in the year, on May 6, voters approved a statewide bond measure with 68% support that authorizes $2.5 billion over 10 years for critical upgrades to roads, bridges, sewers and waterlines.
This marks the fourth time since 1987 that Ohioans have endorsed this infrastructure bond initiative. Over its lifetime, the program has provided more than 19,000 grants and loans that have resulted in reinforcing public health and safety while supporting job creation and economic development across all 88 counties. The sustained voter backing underscores a deep trust in the program’s track record and its role in strengthening communities statewide.
The decision to place the bond on the May ballot followed broad bipartisan agreement in the General Assembly. In December 2024, lawmakers advanced the measure with overwhelming margins – an 87-4 vote in the Ohio House, and a 30-to-1 vote in the Ohio Senate – reflecting consensus on the importance of maintaining and modernizing Ohio’s core infrastructure systems.
Support Consistent Over the Past Decade
Ohio voters have long demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining and improving their local transportation systems. Since 2016, they have approved or renewed more than 86% of the 1,429 transportation-related ballot measures brought before them – a track record that highlights consistent public recognition of the importance of safe, reliable infrastructure.
These county and municipal measures, which typically remain in effect for one to five years, provide essential funding for road and bridge maintenance, resurfacing, safety upgrades and other community-level improvements. When a measure reaches its sunset date, local officials may choose to place it before voters again for renewal or extension, ensuring a transparent, voter-driven process for sustaining core infrastructure services.
In the 2025 cycle, this pattern continued. Of the transportation measures appearing on local ballots, 146 were renewals or replacements of existing taxes, while 29 sought to establish additional funding beyond current levels. The renewal of these measures reflects both the recurring nature of infrastructure needs and voter satisfaction with how communities have used these funds in the past.
Nearly all the approved initiatives – approximately 1,200 – have been local property tax renewals, new levies or extensions. These measures allow even small jurisdictions to carry out essential maintenance and improvements.
Taken together, the sustained approval of these local funding mechanisms underscores Ohioans’ belief that transportation infrastructure is a shared responsibility – and one worth investing in year after year.
2025 National Overview
Nationwide, transportation investment continued to garner strong public support in 2025. According to initial results compiled by TIAC, voters approved 83% of the 288 transportation funding measures that appeared on state and local ballots. Collectively, these measures are expected to generate an estimated $24 billion in new and renewed funding for roads, bridges, rail, trails and other critical infrastructure.
While some of this revenue will become available immediately through bonding authority, the majority will be raised gradually over periods extending up to 30 years, primarily through sales, property, or other locally administered taxes. This mix of short- and long-term funding mechanisms allows communities to begin essential projects promptly while ensuring a steady, predictable revenue stream for future needs.
Transportation-related questions appeared on ballots in at least 17 states, with 11 approving at least one statewide or local measure. Several of the most consequential initiatives from the November 4 General Election include:
- Mecklenburg County, N.C.: Voters approved a one-cent sales tax increase dedicated to road, bridge and transit improvements. Over 30 years, the measure is projected to generate approximately $7.8 billion for roads; $7.8 billion for rail; and $3.8 billion for bus and micro-transit investments, representing one of the largest local transportation funding packages in the country this cycle.
- Denver, Colo.: Voters endorsed the Vibrant Denver Bond initiative, which allocates 47% of total revenue – $441 million – to road and bridge projects. The measure supports a broad plan to enhance mobility, safety and community connectivity throughout the city.
- Georgia: All eight countywide transportation sales tax proposals on the ballot were approved, securing an estimated $916 million in new revenue over the next five years. These measures will support roadway improvements, congestion relief and critical maintenance in both rural and urban counties.
Earlier in the year, significant transportation victories also emerged from primaries and special elections. Notably, voters in Oklahoma City, Okla., approved two major infrastructure measures on October 14, authorizing $90.6 million for bridge upgrades and $1.35 billion for road improvements – a significant investment aimed at modernizing the city’s transportation network.
Nationally, public support for transportation funding remained consistently strong over the past decade. Since 2016, voters in 41 states have approved 84% of more than 3,000 state and local ballot measures related to transportation investment. This enduring support reflects widespread recognition of the economic, safety and quality-of-life benefits associated with modern, reliable infrastructure.
For additional details or to explore specific ballot results, visit TIAC’s interactive dashboard at transportationinvestment.org.
The Future of Transportation Funding in Ohio
The strong voter support demonstrated in recent ballot measures underscores how deeply Ohioans value well-maintained transportation infrastructure. Yet, while these local and statewide approvals play a vital role in sustaining critical road, bridge and transit improvements, they are not a substitute for long-term, sustainable funding at the state and federal levels.
A January 2024 report from The Road Information Program (TRIP), a national transportation research organization, highlighted the growing challenges facing Ohio’s transportation network. According to the report, the state confronts significant long-term funding gaps driven by several pressures, including stagnant revenue from the motor-fuel tax – a key source of state transportation funding – and rising construction and maintenance costs due to inflation. As vehicles become more fuel efficient and electric vehicles expand their share of the market, the long-term outlook for traditional fuel tax revenue could shift. Meanwhile, the cost of materials, labor and construction continues to climb, widening the gap between available resources and infrastructure needs.
Local ballot measures help meet part of this need, delivering important, community-driven investment. However, they cannot replace the predictable, large-scale funding streams required to maintain a statewide transportation system that supports economic competitiveness, safety and mobility in all 88 counties.
The strong voter approval seen in both the May primary and the November general election should send a clear message to policymakers: Ohioans are willing to invest in their transportation future. Public support for transportation funding remains consistently high, and these results demonstrate that voters back practical, common-sense investment strategies that ensure safe roads, reliable bridges and a modern transit network.
As lawmakers look ahead to the next decade of transportation planning, they should acknowledge the interest in pursuing sustainable, forward-looking funding solutions that match the scale of Ohio’s infrastructure needs – and honor the trust that voters continue to place in these investments.
Carolyn Kramer Simons is the senior director of state funding policy with the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) Transportation Investment Advocacy Center™(TIAC). TIAC is an educational and informational resource designed to help private citizens, legislators, organizations and businesses successfully grow transportation investment at the state and local levels. It is a signature initiative of the Transportation Makes America Work (TMAW) campaign.