While no one enjoys paying taxes, most would agree that when the revenue is put to use effectively and efficiently, it is money well spent. In our community, there is no better example of this than our Wild Spaces, Public Places surtax. Alachua County residents voluntarily taxed themselves a half-penny, first in 2008 and then renewed in 2016, to set aside land for conservation and to support our beautiful local parks.

In 2022, voters went a step further and approved a full penny, 10-year extension of the WSPP surtax referendum, adding a second-half penny for roads and affordable housing. Generating roughly $500 million before the surtax sunsets in 2032, the surtax revenues are split between Alachua County and its municipalities.

The WSPP funding, when added to general fund contributions, gas tax and grants, allows Alachua County to put together a quarter of a billion dollars over the 10 years of the surtax. With this funding secured, the County developed its 10-year Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP), making possible hundreds of projects and allowing the County to make significant progress on our community’s almost 700-mile road system. And while road improvements are the major focus of the TCIP, the plan also includes sidewalks, traffic signals, multi-use paths and other critical infrastructure. These projects are key to ensuring long-term safety and mobility and enhancing the quality of life for all residents, while also promoting economic development.

The first road project completed in June of 2023 under the TCIP was the $1.56 million resurfacing of Northeast 27th Avenue. Since then, County staff have completed 22 projects totaling $13.6 million, with an additional 55 projects—totaling over $75 million—in the planning stages, completed or under construction for 2025 and 2026.

Drive anywhere to see evidence of this focus and dedication, but staff has gone one better—the County recently announced the Road Projects website, with comprehensive information for each project, with videos, infographics and visual data.

This year, 10 major projects are underway or on deck, including $9.3 million for NW 23rd Avenue, $7.8 million for NE/NW 53rd Avenue and $3.8 million for NE/NW 156th Avenue. Another 10 are scheduled for 2026, including $7.4 million for County Road 235, $3.1 million for the Kincaid Loop Trail, $2.9 million for NW 39th Avenue and $2.2 million for Ft. Clarke Boulevard.

You can even track projects of interest using the site’s interactive map, which has overlays for signal, bridge and bike pedestrian projects.

If you’ve been in Gainesville as long as I have, you know that, for a variety of reasons, three roads-only ballot initiatives failed at the voting booth, contributing to a backlog of badly needed infrastructure improvements. We are very fortunate that our infrastructure needs are now being tackled head-on through strategic planning, community collaboration and the steadfast commitment of the Alachua County Commission.

Eric Godet is president/CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber