RAND Study Analyzes Fee Systems in Major Growth Areas, Including San Diego and Los Angeles

A new study by the RAND Corporation analyzed fee systems utilized in major growth areas, including San Diego, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The research found that fee systems implemented during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s were designed to fund new infrastructure for sprawling growth. However, these systems are proving insufficient for maintaining infrastructure in already-developed areas.

The study highlights that while cities like San Diego have seen population growth, it is largely through infill development into existing infrastructure. The fee systems are legally restricted to building new projects and cannot fund the maintenance of aging public assets. This raises questions about how established cities can secure funding for necessary upkeep.