California mayors oppose bullet train plan over local tax concerns

Ten California mayors have escalated their opposition to the state's high-speed rail project, warning that a proposed funding plan could divert local tax revenues to support the troubled initiative. In an April letter to the California High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), the mayors, including Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, criticized a draft proposal that would redirect tax growth near future rail stations to fund the project. The mayors argued the plan is "fiscally reckless, legally vulnerable, and fundamentally unfair" to communities hosting rail facilities. They urged the state to pursue voter-approved bonds or dedicated state revenue sources instead. The HSRA's 2026 Draft Business Plan estimates the full Phase 1 buildout at $231.3 billion, with an optimized approach costing $126.2 billion. The proposed funding mechanism would not create new taxes but redirect existing local revenues. The HSRA spokesperson clarified there is no finalized plan to capture local revenues, stating the draft plan is part of ongoing conversations.