STAR update

STAR has been busy! But we haven’t been so good about keeping our “members” informed, so here is an update.

  1. Joined onto a statewide “opposed unless amended” letter on the transportation funding bills, SB 1 and AB 1.
  2. Participated in a meeting with Henry Li and other staff of Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) to discuss principles for transit and ways to get more funding for transit. This was organized by 350Sacramento.
  3. Participated in two meetings of a developing progressive transportation coalition, led by Capital Region Organizing Project (CROP). It appears that this coalition will be taking the lead in this region for equity and a shift from privately owned motor vehicles towards transit, walking and bicycling. The coalition has made significant progress on finding common ground with the advocates. We will continue to report on this coalition as it develops.
  4. Participated in an Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS)  Transportation, Air Quality and Climate Change Committee (TAQCC) which hosted a presentation by Jeffrey Spencer, Executive Director of the Sacramento Transportation Authority (SacTA or STA). Spencer stated that SacTA will not do a public outreach process and will not significantly change “Son of Measure B,” as he feels that is the responsibility of the county, cities, and SacRT.
  5. Developed a plan for a regional transit coordinating agency, and presented it to Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s staff. Unfortunately this has not gained traction, but we feel that it is a transformative solution for transit.
  6. A lot of informal discussions with potential partners in our efforts to promote an efficient and equitable transit network. We are amazed by how much convergence there is on the issues.

Sadly, it appears that SacTA intends to put up the same failed Measure B again, this time doing a better job of convincing voters but no better a job of providing the transportation investments that we need. This is being called “Son of Measure B” and is intended for the November 2018 ballot. If that happens, much of STAR’s energy over the next two years will be towards improving the measure before it goes to the ballot, and if it is not significantly improved, to defeating it at the ballot box. Fortunately, the progressive transportation coalition now forming, and all the partners in it, will be working towards the same goals, and many hands make light work.

STAR has an Action Team, the equivalent to a leadership group or board of directors, which meets about once a month. If you have the time and passion to be more involved in transit advocacy, and particularly if you are from a community or interest that is often underrepresented in transit discussions, please get in touch with Delphine (DD) Cathcart, delphinespeaksup at gmail.

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