In late February, we joined our partners in the Sustainable Communities for All (SC4A) Coalition for a lobby day at the State Capitol, meeting with staff in the Governor’s Office, State Senate and State Assembly to discuss how to spend revenues from California’s Cap and Trade program.
A number of state agencies are having public input meetings this month. We’ll be there, and hope to see you too!
The Safe Routes Partnership facilitates regional active transportation networks (ATNs) in several locations throughout California with quarterly meetings. These ATNs serve as an informational hub for community based organizations and public agencies to share information on best practices and upcoming funding competitions and to engage in increasing active transportation investments and policy.
In January, the Alliance for Healthy Orange County held a convening on SB 1000, the law requiring that general plans include an environmental justice (EJ) element. The convening brought together over 60 planners and community-based representatives to discuss and gather input on what environmental justice means in Orange County and how to move forward to ensure the region develops strong plans.
Governor Brown released his proposed expenditure plan for Cap and Trade proceeds (the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund). We were disappointed to see funds prioritized for Zero Emission Vehicles, which do not reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled or facilitate alternative modes of transportation, while programs such as TCC were sharply reduced.
The planning for Cycle 4 of the Active Transportation Program continues. In our last E-News, we mentioned concerns we shared with our partners about the move of the ATP Public Health Question to a new section (Statement of Need).
The Bay Area Toll Authority voted to place a measure on the June ballot asking voters to approve toll hikes on all Bay Area bridges except the Golden Gate Bridge, over the next several years. The measure, RM3, requires a majority vote among voters in the all the 9 Bay Area counties and will seek a $1 toll increase in 2019, 2022, and in 2025. The Golden Gate Bridge is governed by an independent district that sets its own tolls.
The Safe Routes Partnership is pleased to announce that Kaiser Permanente is awarding a two-year grant of $1.26 million to advance Safe Routes to School initiatives and policy nationwide and in specific regions.