Release: Obama must back up rhetoric on “green” recovery with an empowered Transportation Secretary.
Washington — Geoff Anderson, Co-Chair for the Transportation for America campaign, today issued a statement in advance of President-elect Barack Obama’s announcement of a Secretary of Transportation:
“Tomorrow’s announcement of the next Secretary of Transportation is perhaps more important and historic than it has ever been before. With America on the brink of a new chapter for economic and energy progress, the next Secretary of Transportation will play a critical and powerful role in our nation’s future.
Congressman LaHood has a commendable record of reaching across the aisle to find compromise that leads to progress for our nation, and we look forward to working with him as he enters what will surely be a challenging role. Come January 2009, the Department of Transportation will be the linchpin in the effort to stimulate our economy and create jobs through what President-elect Obama has called “the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system in the 1950s.” In addition, the Secretary will face demands like none we’ve seen before: the need to rethink how we finance transportation as driving habits and vehicles change and gasoline consumption drops; convulsions in the airline industry; the resurrection of passenger rail service; and many more.
The transformation of our national transportation system is critical to meeting the President-elect’s goals for a financially strong and clean-energy future. This is why Transportation for America — a coalition of housing, real estate, environmental, public health, urban planning and transportation organizations committed to moving America into the 21st Century by building a modernized infrastructure — stands ready to support Secretary LaHood in any effort to help navigate this unprecedented opportunity.”
Contact:
Cosa Bullock
202-478-6128
cbullock@mrss.com
Speaker Pelosi supports “Building For America”
Smart transportation investments will produce a three-for-one win for America: a stronger economy, less dependence on oil, and reduced emissions of climate-harming carbon. With the support of activists (like many of you) sending emails and making calls to legislators — we’ve been trying to make this case to other leaders on Capitol Hill throughout the month of December. We picked up a lot of momentum over the last few months of the year, but much of it began back in October.
In October, we released Build For America, our five-point plan to strengthen the economy through smart transportation and infrastructure investment. Its release was the official kickoff for Transportation For America, with events across the country highlighting the report’s release.
At the San Francisco Build For America event, we were honored to have Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi join us.
In her speech, she endorsed Transportation for America’s call for smart investment in public transportation to kick-start the economy, telling the crowd assembled that “I am pleased to join the Transportation for America coalition this morning to call attention to our country’s need to rebuild and renew our transportation system.”
A few more of her remarks, which you can read in full here:
Rebuilding America is a national security issue. 90% of our oil imports are used for transportation. With investments in public transportation, more efficient roadways, and increased access to broadband that removes commuters from roads, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reduce its implications on our foreign policy.
Rebuilding America is an economic issue. By improving our efficiency, we improve our competitiveness, create the next generation of good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy here at home.
Rebuilding America is an environmental issue. Making greener choices will bring us cleaner air and water, reduce sprawl and congestion, and cut greenhouse gases, to the benefit of the American people and our planet.
The Transportation for America coalition will play a crucial role in building support for investment in transportation infrastructure as Congress moves forward with reauthorization of surface transportation programs in the coming year.
While recognizing the need to maintain our current infrastructure, you are highlighting the importance of diversifying our transportation options to reduce the focus on driving and increase our options for bus and rail transit, walking, biking, and transit-oriented development.
Our thanks to the Speaker. We hope she’ll be leading the way for a smart economic stimulus package that can boost the economy by prioritizing repairs to existing roads and bridges, and investing in rail, public transportation, and streets safe for walking and biking.
December 10, 2008Obama and Congress must back up rhetoric on “green” recovery package.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2008
Contact: Cosa Bullock, 202-478-6128
cbullock@mrss.com
TRANSPORTATION FOR AMERICA: OBAMA AND CONGRESS MUST BACK UP RHETORIC ON “GREEN” RECOVERY PACKAGE
National Coalition applauds Obama’s call for accountability and reduced oil dependence in making the ‘single largest new investment’ since the federal highway system, but warns that a rush to road-building could undermine those goals
| Download this Release (.pdf) |
Washington – The Transportation for America Campaign today applauded President-elect Barack Obama’s Oct. 6 proposal to “create millions of jobs by making the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system in the 1950s.” But this national coalition cautions that rhetoric alone will not be enough to move our country forward out of the current economic crisis.
Specifically, as part of the economic recovery package the President-elect is expected to sign on day one, Transportation for America is calling for a $100 billion investment to:
- Repair and preserve highways, bridges and existing public transportation service, and the green jobs associated with it;
- Build modern rail and rapid bus lines and upgrade all forms of service in cities large and small;
- Develop high-speed and other forms of inter-city rail; and
- Make streets safe for walking and biking.
“If we spend this money the right way,” said Geoff Anderson, co-chair of the Transportation for America Campaign, “we should get a three-for-one-return on our investment: a revitalized economy well positioned for long-term prosperity; less dependence on oil; and a reduction in climate-damaging emissions — all of which will help America compete and thrive.”
In his Saturday address, Obama pledged to “invest your precious tax dollars in new and smarter ways” while measuring progress “by the jobs we create, by the energy we save, by whether America is more competitive in the world.”
However, even as Obama spoke, state Departments of Transportation offered up project lists that are merely more of the same — a focus on paving roads rather then fixing and improving what we already have. This random collection of road widenings and resurfacing projects is unlikely to lead a “green” recovery built on a 21st century transportation network.
Accordingly, central to this economic recovery package must be a strategy for fixing what’s broken first, building out green infrastructure and maintaining transparency.
“Now that the national highways system has been built, federal resources and attention must go to making a down payment on a bold national transportation mission,” said Anderson. “This means not only fixing our crumbling bridges and highways but also increasing support for the cleanest forms of transportation — public transit, high speed rail, walking and biking.”
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Transportation for America is a broad coalition of housing, environmental, public health, urban planning, transportation and other organizations focused on creating a 21st Century national transportation program. T4’s goal is to build a modernized infrastructure and healthy communities where people can live, work and play by aligning national, state, and local transportation policies with an array of issues like economic opportunity, climate change, energy security, health, housing and community development. www.transportationforamerica.org
President-elect Obama responds to Transportation For America
Before the last presidential debate Oct. 15, Transportation For America asked our supporters to sign a petition urging Sen. McCain and then Sen. Obama to tell us their plans for keeping America moving and creating new jobs by investing in our critical transportation system and infrastructure.
If you signed that petition, you sent the candidates this message:
America’s transportation system is half a century behind and the increasing costs of moving around – paid for in dollars at the pump and hours lost sitting on congested, crumbling roads – are taking a real toll on American families.
We need our next president to lead an initiative to invest in public transit, high-speed trains, places to bike and walk, and green innovation. We need a president with a plan that can put millions to work in jobs that can’t be outsourced, bring down the costs of travel, and create a sustainable infrastructure that will keep America on the cutting edge.
I hope you will take the opportunity presented by your final debate to discuss your plans to build a 21st Century transportation system.
More than 3,300 of you signed your names to that petition we delivered to the candidates just before that last crucial debate.
President-elect Barack Obama heard you and responded to the campaign with a two-page thank-you letter outlining his thoughts on transportation and infrastructure that we would like to share with you. Hit the jump to read the full letter:
(Continue Reading)
November 17, 2008Now Hiring: Senior Field Organizer
| Download this Job Posting (.pdf) |
The Transportation for America Campaign is seeking a smart and motivated individual to grow a national campaign into an excellent field operation. The Senior Field Organizer will direct the day to day expansion of, and tasks to build, a diverse coalition of prominent national, state, and local organizations working to reform federal transportation policy.
Experience managing field organizing on a political or issue campaign is a MUST. The Senior Field Organizer reports to the Outreach and Field Director and directs the regional organizers within the Outreach Team to develop and implement field plans for the campaign. The applicant must be a dynamic individual, prepared to speak to audiences, and organize both grasstops and grassroots events for NGOs, business leaders, and elected officials. The Senior Field Organizer will also work closely with the Legislative and Communications teams.
To find out more about Transportation for America learn more about us or view our partners.
Responsibilities will include:
- Manage regional organizers and all field tasks
- Develop tools and materials (in coordination with other campaign teams) to engage coalition partners in advocacy and media efforts in an expanding role over the course of the campaign.
Manage implementation of field activities by the organizers for all target states for the campaign.
Work with field team to engage local and state partners to shape outreach strategies appropriate for each state. - Build a powerful national field operation consisting of state coalitions of “grasstops” supporters — local organizations, statewide organizations, and in?state opinion leaders ? for the campaign. This will include leaders from the local business community, local environmental organizations, union leaders, real estate sector, equity and health groups, elected officials and others.
- Train field team and state coalition leads on organizing, advocacy and messaging.
- Build the capacity of local and state campaign partners to engage with state and federal leaders on transportation and other related policies.
This position requires a self-motivated and detail-oriented person with excellent organizational skills. The candidate must have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
The candidate should have:
- Interest in transportation issues, or related areas. Experience doing organizing with a political campaign a MUST. Work with bicyclists, pedestrian, transit, union, business, rural, aging, or political organizing an asset.
- A minimum of two years management experience in organizing or on campaigns.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines with willingness to be part of a team working towards a common goal
- Available for travel on a frequent basis
- Strong communication and writing skills and an ability to work with a diverse group of people and audiences
- Ability to build and maintain coalitions through internet, in person or by phone
Full-time, will include some nights and weekends. Must be available for frequent travel. Resumes will be accepted on a rolling basis. Job is available for an immediate start. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and 3 references to jobs@t4america.org. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Transportation for America is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
October 16, 2008Build For America plan released nationwide
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION COALITION RELEASES FIVE POINT PLAN FOR STRENGTHENING OUR ECONOMY
At events across the U.S., calls for presidential candidates and Congress to build our way out of economic peril and into the 21st Century
|
Build for America (pdf) |
Washington, D.C. — Oct.15, 2008 – Today, on the heels of the Wall Street bailout and hours before the final presidential debate, policymakers, community and business leaders, activists and citizens gathered in six cities across the country to call on the next President and Congress to strengthen our economy by building a 21st Century transportation system.
The events highlighted “Build for America: A Five-Point Plan to Get Our Economy Moving,” a bold agenda that has the potential to create millions of good, green jobs, save Americans thousands of dollars per year, and reduce America’s dependence on oil once and for all. “Build for America” was created by the Transportation for America campaign, a diverse coalition of national and local organizations — from environmental and climate control to affordable housing and public health — that has come together in part to promote smart infrastructure investment as a way to sustain economic health.
“Americans are running on empty, with falling home values, rising gas prices, and a lagging economy,” said Shelley Poticha, co-chair of Transportation For America and president and CEO of Reconnecting America. “We’re here to say that we can start building a way out of this mess with a wise investment strategy.”
The U.S. already spends $70 billion a year on transportation infrastructure, and many are calling on Congress to do what has been done in every recent recession and invest still more to simulate economic recovery. However, simply using that money to build highway projects conceived in the last century is unlikely to help, Transportation for America warned.
Build for America calls for investment in public transit, high-speed and intercity rail, neighborhoods that are less car-dependent, more walkable and more affordable, and restoring the thousands of roads and bridges in failing condition across the United States. Specifically, Transportation for America and its supporters are asking the next President and Congress to work together to:
- BUILD TO COMPETE with China and Europe, by modernizing and expanding our rail and transit networks to reduce oil dependence, connect the metro regions that are the engines of the modern economy.
- INVEST FOR A CLEAN, GREEN RECOVERY through cleaner vehicles and new fuels as well as the cleanest forms of transportation – modern public transit, walking and biking – and for energy-efficient, sustainable development.
- FIX WHAT’S BROKEN before building new roads and restore our crumbling highways, bridges and transit systems.
- STOP WASTEFUL SPENDING and re-evaluate projects currently in the pipeline to eliminate those with little economic return that could deepen our oil dependence.
- SAVE AMERICANS MONEY. Provide more travel and housing options that are affordable and efficient, while helping people to avoid high gas costs and traffic congestion. Save taxpayer dollars by asking the private developers who reap real estate rewards from new rail stations and transit lines to contribute toward that service.
“This is a bold agenda, but tough times call for bold action,” said Gene Russianoff, staff attorney for the Straphangers Campaign for NYPIRG and spokesperson for the New York City Build for America event. “By reaching across the aisle to implement better transportation investments across in our cities and communities and across our states, we’ll help meet the unprecedented demand for quality public transportation choices, maintain our current system, and create jobs that put Americans back to work.”
Other cities that hosted “Build for America” events today include Madison, WI, Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle, and San Francisco.
“Investing in the Build for America plan will pay off for ordinary Americans, our environment and the economy,” said Deron Lovaas, Vehicles Campaign director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. “This green recovery program will put millions to work in good paying jobs building the infrastructure we need to compete and thrive in the 21st century.”
Download the complete Build for America booklet here
Press Contact: Cosabeth Bullock 202-478-6128 cbullock@mrss.com
September 17, 2008Now Hiring: National Organizer
The Transportation for America Campaign is seeking a smart and motivated Organizer to work with, and help build, a diverse coalition of prominent national, state, and local organizations working to reform federal transportation policy. The Organizer reports to the Outreach and Field Director and works with the Outreach Team to develop and implement outreach plans for the campaign. The Organizer must be a dynamic individual, prepared to speak to audiences, and organize both grasstops and grassroots events. The Organizer will also work closely with the Legislative and Communications teams.
Interested? View the full position description with directions for applying.
September 10, 2008Senior Research Associate Position
IMMEDIATE OPENING: Senior Research Associate Position, Transportation For America
The Transportation For America campaign seeks a senior research associate to undertake research in support of national transportation policy reform. This individual should be a self-motivated, experienced researcher to help develop and implement the Campaign’s policy platform and assist with its applied research agenda. This position will work directly with the Campaign’s Policy Director, and perform research on federal, state and local transportation programs. The Senior Research Associate will have the following responsibilities:
- Envision, plan, manage, and conduct research and analytical projects that address the needs of the upcoming authorization campaign, specifically —
- Conduct research to illustrate campaign proposals and potential impacts of policy proposals on current transportation programs, including intensive use of transportation data resources and current literature.
- Undertake modeling or research scenarios to illustrate impacts of proposals on states, metro areas, congressional districts and localities.
- Coordinate with other coalition partner/allies to define research activities in support of the national transportation reform initiatives
- Reach out to state/regional coalition partners to determine their needs to help advance their reform initiatives
- Develop relationships with federal transportation agencies relating to research opportunities, data resources, and support for research activities (e.g. NHTS)
- Manage rapid response research capability, in conjunction with other campaign staff and communications team.
Qualifications — we seek applicants with the following qualifications:
- Experience in transportation a must, supported by urban policy and planning, or related fields such as environmental policy and economic development
- Five or more years experience in a similar position
- Demonstrated strong research skills and analytical capabilities
- Exemplary writing and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to organize and work in partnership teams with other organizations
- Time management and organizational skills to balance multiple projects, partners, concurrently
- Strong database skills and computer program knowledge
- A passion for transforming transportation to meet this century’s challenges
The position is full-time and available starting October 1st in Washington, DC. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please send a cover letter and resume to Jobs@t4america.org. In the subject line write T4America Research Associate Position. Resumes will not be accepted after September 19th, 2008.
Transportation for America is a growing and diverse coalition focused on creating a national transportation program that will take America into the 21st century by building a modernized infrastructure and healthy communities where people can live, work and play. The campaign is staffed by Smart Growth America and Reconnecting America. For more information about Transportation For America, please visit the “Who We Are” and “About the Campaign” tabs above.
September 10, 2008Position available: Senior Research Associate
The Transportation For America campaign seeks a senior research associate to undertake research in support of national transportation policy reform. This individual should be a self-motivated, experienced researcher to help develop and implement the Campaign’s policy platform and assist with its applied research agenda. This position will work directly with the Campaign’s Policy Director, and perform research on federal, state and local transportation programs.
Interested? View the full description here with directions for applying.
August 20, 2008Transportation for America Fellowship
The Transportation for America Campaign is seeking a Fellow to work with a diverse coalition of prominent national, state, and local organizations working to reform federal transportation policy. This is a tremendous opportunity for a recent graduate to take on significant responsibility while learning about transportation reform issues and working directly with a variety of well-known leaders and organizations in the field.
Transportation for America is a growing and diverse coalition focused on creating a national transportation program that will take America into the 21st century by building a modernized infrastructure and healthy communities where people can live, work and play. To find out more about Transportation for America visit the “Who We Are” page. The campaign is staffed by Smart Growth America and Reconnecting America.
Responsibilities will include:
- Engage coalition partners in advocacy and media efforts
- Help manage relationships and draft materials for key Congressional offices
- Research and analysis of statistics and trends related to transportation
- Assist with outreach meetings and conference sessions to engage local constituents and organizations in the campaign
- Research and write fact sheets and other material on how transportation is related to other issues such as health, the environment, and safety
- General administrative tasks including mailing, event planning, database management, etc and other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should have a strong interest in smart growth, transportation issues, or related areas. Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree and either and educational background or work experience in transportation policy, urban planning, environmental studies, public policy, or a related field. This position requires a self-motivated and detail-oriented person with excellent organizational skills. The candidate must have good communication and interpersonal skills. and be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Candidates must have exemplary research and writing skills, and an ability to synthesize diverse material so that it is understandable to a lay audience. The candidate should be highly computer literate with specific experience in website maintenance, web research, database management, and using the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Knowledge of InDesign or graphics software, html, css, Joomla! and/or other open source web interfaces are a definite plus.
COMPENSATION: The Fellowship comes with a stipend of $1,500 per month. He or she will receive two days of paid sick leave or vacation and will have paid leave on all federal holidays that occur within their tenure at SGA. Health benefits will not be offered.
TIME FRAME: Full-time, forty hours a week for six months to a year (timeframe is flexible).
HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and 3 references to jobs@t4america.org. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so it’s best to get your application in early.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Transportation For America is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
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