National/Federal

Making Sense of Infrastructure Stimulus, Earmarks, and Surface Transportation Reauthorization

For national news followers, it’s hard to open the paper (err - scroll Twitter) and not be bombarded with headlines about President Biden’s plans for infrastructure stimulus and the re-emergence of earmarks after a decade-long moratorium. We are paying close attention to these developments, however, our organization’s federal advocacy efforts remain focused on the reauthorization of a surface transportation bill.

Designated Projects, AKA Earmarks

The 117th Congress Takes Strong First Steps Toward Improving Walking, Biking, and Rolling

The start of the 117th Congress has been eventful to say the least. Between the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th, the Democrats re-gaining control of the Senate with the election of Senators Ossoff and Warnock in the Georgia runoff, former President Trump’s second impeachment, and the inauguration of President Biden, it can be hard to keep track of the flurry of new bills being introduced by members of Congress.

Join Breakout Calls on Safe Routes to School and Back to School 2020

We know from discussions on the listserv, questions in our inboxes, and overwhelming interest in the Back to School 2020 workgroup that people are interested in connecting with and learning from one another about how to safely support Safe Routes to School as the 2020 school year kicks off.

Join the Back to School 2020 Working Group!

We have appreciated all of the resources and ideas you have shared about keeping Safe Routes to School programs running during COVID-19. As we move into summer break, many of you have started thinking about what your programs will look like when school resumes. We are putting together a Back to School 2020 Working Group to help develop strategies and resources for effectively implementing Safe Routes to School programs this fall.

Advocating for Essential Transit Options: Active Transportation Advocates as Allies

Local and state governments are issuing stay at home orders and asking that only essential workers leave home for work and for everyone to stay home unless they have an essential trip like getting groceries or going to medical appointments. Many people do not have the privilege of staying home and will continue to require transportation options to get to and from essential jobs, grocery stores, and other services. This pandemic shines a spotlight on everyone’s need for safe, affordable and healthy transportation options and makes it clear that public transit is an essential service.