Active Transportation Alliance had plenty to celebrate at our recent member party. In addition to turning 40 this year, we experienced a monumental win for the state’s transit system.
Indeed, one month ago our coalition passed a comprehensive transit funding and reform package. We fixed it and we funded it – to the tune of over $1.5 billion annually!
Not only did we avert the transit fiscal cliff, but we won large-scale reforms and improvements to the regional transit system.
As our Executive Director Amy Rynell told the 140 people in the audience, the legislation will allow our transit system to meet the moment and build for the future.
And it’s paid for it from funds that have historically been dedicated to roads – a monumental shift towards sustainable transportation.
So what’s in that 1,000 page bill?
- More transit oriented development
- Support for sidewalk and bicycle connections to transit and to trails
- A unified fare policy across the region
- Smart safety initiatives
- A transit system that will be regionally-focused, rider-centered, nimble, and innovative
Rynell said the strong approach to policy, the strategic partnerships, and a sophisticated campaign made the big win a reality.
“We leaned into the essence of who we are – an alliance,” she said. “We are an alliance of people, of organizations, of communities, of ways of getting around. And that alliance was activated in a number of key ways that led us to the impressive transit victory.”
She described how Active Transportation Alliance worked with a wide spectrum of organizations in a variety of ways, whether it was collaborating on grassroots action, policy development, campaign communications, public events, lobbying efforts, or coordinating with lawmakers, to name a few.
“We stayed laser-focused on a really tight political strategy and inside game,” said Rynell. “We invested in multiple public polls. We met with our legislative sponsors weekly. We literally had a seat in the room where it happens — with the Governor’s team, the House and the Senate leaders — which is why the legislation is full of rider-centered solutions. And this political strategy would have not been what it was without our lobbying support team.”
Rynell gave a special shoutout to all the Active Transportation Alliance supporters who took action, attended town halls, performed canvassing, and had one-on-one meetings with their elected officials.
“Our voice was heard and our presence was felt,” she said. “This is a once in a lifetime legislative package and you went all in to help us get it done. What we collectively did is the talk of the country right now. I’ll be forever grateful. We will build on these lesson’s learned and this extraordinary victory to fight for more large-scale reforms to support active transportation.”
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to sign thank-you cards that will be delivered to key lawmakers who helped pass the legislation.
In addition to celebrating the big win, the event included the business of electing new board members followed by a round of applause for our retiring board members:
- New board members are Edith Makra and Mike Rosenthal.
- Retiring board members are Jane Healy, Brandy Hillman, and Jim Kreps.
The event also offered an opportunity to honor our most dedicated volunteers and advocates. Awards were given to the following recipients:
Thanks to everyone who joined us for this annual event. Thank you for being a key part of the movement for better transportation options in Chicagoland.