Our priorities for federal stimulus spending in Virginia
Author: Elena Sorokina
120 Day Stimulus Spending Report – Background Information
The states and the stimulus — Are they using it to create jobs and a 21st century transportation system?
DC – Support for Giant Rezoning in Ward 3
I am pleased to testify in support of this pedestrian-oriented mixed use redevelopment project. This is a wonderful proposal that is far better than simply replacing an old grocery store with a new one. Thanks to Stop & Shop for making the extra effort to create a truly smart growth project.
Region’s Longest Commutes Show Need for Smart Growth and Transit
Today’s Washington Post (A-1, “A Dubious Distinction: The Longest Ride in the U.S.”) reports on Census Bureau data showing that residents of parts of Prince William and Prince George’s Counties have some of the longest average commutes in the nation. Key issues highlighted in the article:
D.C. – Fair Budget Coalition’s Annual Budget Recommendations 2009
The Fair Budget Coalition fights for a just and inclusive District of Columbia through advocacy and organizing and by advancing budget and public policy initiatives which reflect the inter-dependency of the District’s community and economic development systems. Organized in 1994, Fair Budget is a coalition of grassroots community groups, human service providers, advocates, faith organizations, and concerned community members.
Cheryl Cort Commentary on WAMU
Our Policy Director, Cheryl Cort, speaks about the importance of investing in transit, walking and biking after the success of Inauguration Day, where 2.6 million people used Metro in three days.
Stimulus – Don’t Give Blank Check to VDOT and MDOT
“The transportation portion of the stimulus badly misses the mark.” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, “It fails to mandate that most of the spending go to maintenance and operations of roads and transit and allows the Virginia and Maryland Departments of Transportation and the other state DOT’s too much authority to allocate $30 billion. That means business as usual instead of the fundamental change we need.”
Transit’s Success at the Inauguration
Rail, bus, walking and bicycle access made possible record-breaking crowds who attended downtown celebrations for the Presidential Inauguration. Metrorail marked three days of unprecedented ridership in a row, providing 2.6 million trips for people during three days of inaugural celebrations. Officials decided against any significant role for private automobiles and encouraged visitors to take transit or bus, walk or bicycle.
Statement of Principles to Guide Decisions on D.C. Budget
The District of Columbia faces severe economic challenges. Declining revenues have already led to the adoption of significant budget cuts in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget. The cuts affect a wide range of programs, including parks, public safety, and transportation. However, they will fall especially hard on low-income families due to reduced funding for affordable housing, homeless services, health care, and income supports.
DC – Coalition for Community Investment
The Coalition for Community Investment’s Statement of Principles and Co-signers, including the Coalition for Smarter Growth.