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NEWS FROM TALC

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TALC kicks off campaign to dedicate "spillover" to transit
TALC recently launched a campaign to permanently secure vital operating support for public transit by dedicating gas tax spillover funds to the Public Transportation Account. Many organizations and unions signed on to our request to the Governor to direct spillover funds to the PTA in his proposed FY 2007-08 budget. Unfortunately, as expected, Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed budget diverts much of the money to pay off the transportation bonds, and to other uses. Even worse, the Governor wants to permanently discontinue spillover allocations to the State Transit Assistance program, part of the PTA that entirely supports transit operations.

With cuts on the horizon for many transit operators this is an urgent campaign. TALC has partnered with the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) to fight for more transit funding, and permanent protection for spillover funds. To learn more about the spillover and to participate in the next phase of our campaign visit the webpage below. To participate in our statewide strategy phone call on January 26, contact Carli Paine at carli@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x315.

Learn more: www.transcoalition.org/c/sus_spill/index.html

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MTC proposes starting with a Smart Growth vision!
TALC has often complained that MTC's Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), while now containing many important programs that TALC supports, is primarily a wish list of county projects stapled together. In a surprise announcement that brought joy to smart growth advocates around the region, MTC is now proposing to begin their next update of the RTP with a vision of how the region can grow smarter, and then consider how the over $100 billion of transportation investments can best be used to achieve that vision. This two-year effort will be announced at MTC's planning committee on Friday, January 12 at 9:30 a.m. Come down to learn more about it, and congratulate MTC on this critically important change in regional planning. This will also be the focus of TALC's regional meeting on February 21. For the MTC agenda go to
apps.mtc.ca.gov/events/agendaView.akt?p=791 -- and for more information click on RTP-2009Update.doc.

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TALC's high-speed rail work
TALC has been tapped by the California High Speed Rail Authority to spearhead outreach efforts to environmental and social justice leaders across the state. Over the next six months we will be connecting with organizations in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and the Central Valley to solicit their input on a broad range of issues, from making the connection with land use planning to identifying equitable funding sources. TALC's participation is intended to help the Authority shape the project to maximize the environmental and social equity benefits of high speed rail.

Learn more: www.transcoalition.org/hsr_brochure.pdf

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Creating a great downtown in Santa Rosa
As part of the Great Communities Collaborative that TALC coordinates, Greenbelt Alliance is in the final stretch of a campaign to ensure that the Santa Rosa Station Area Plan will result in a truly vibrant downtown community with a mix of uses, filled with pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly streets, and housing affordable to all. The campaign has included outreach to local groups and community members, culminating with door-to-door outreach by local allies to 3,000 households. A community meeting will be held on January 31st at 6:30 p.m. to present the plan and respond to questions. The draft plan and timeline can be found at the webpage below.

Learn more: www.greenbelt.org/regions/sonomamarin/camp_stationareaplan.html

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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Join us at TALC's Summit addressing global warming -- March 24
A recent Air District analysis identifies transportation as responsible for half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the Bay Area. While new technologies can help reduce emissions, driving less is the single biggest way to reduce our climate impact. To reduce driving the Bay Area must lead the way by turning the tide on sprawl and creating a region of walkable neighborhoods connected by fast, convenient transit. This is the effort that TALC and its member and affiliate organizations are deeply engaged in, but the climate crisis adds a new level of urgency to our work.

Please join us, and other advocates, elected leaders, and concerned citizens from across the region, at TALC's 10th Annual Summit on Saturday, March 24. The event will tackle the intersection of these critical issues and is titled Bay Area Solutions to Global Warming: Cooling the Planet with Walkable Communities and World Class Transit. The Summit is a great place to get involved, strategize, network, and hone your advocacy skills in the movement for a more sustainable and socially just Bay Area.

Learn more and register: www.transcoalition.org/cal/summit07/summit.html

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You're invited to TALC's next regional meeting -- February 21
Get involved in the movement for a better Bay Area at TALC's upcoming regional meeting on Wednesday, February 21. The theme of the evening is Crafting Our 2007 Transportation Agenda, and we'll be learning about and strategizing on the most important transportation campaigns for the region this year, including MTC's Regional Transportation Plan and saving the spillover (see article above). The meeting will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Sierra Club's third-floor conference room in downtown San Francisco, 85 Second Street, near the Montgomery BART/Muni station. The meeting is free and open to the public. Burritos and beverages will be served. New to TALC? Come at 5:00 p.m. for an optional orientation about TALC and regional issues. RSVPs are appreciated so we can have enough seating and food. Contact Marta Lindsey at rsvp@transcoalition.org or call 510-740-3150 x321.

View the calendar of events: www.transcoalition.org/calendar.html

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League Day focuses on smart growth and housing -- January 27
Join the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area for a half-day event on January 27, featuring a keynote presentation by John King from the San Francisco Chronicle on "Successful Smart Growth Design for the Bay Area." Discussion panels on the Bay Area "Focusing Our Vision" project and regional housing needs will also be held. The event will run from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the San Mateo City Library's Oak Room and registration is only $10. RSVP to Tam Hege by January 24 at treasurer@lwvba.ca.lwvnet.org.

Learn more: www.lwvba.ca.lwvnet.org/calendar.html

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Making transit oriented development work for SMART rail -- January 18
Greenbelt Alliance, together with the Accountable Development Coalition and Sonoma County Conservation Action, are holding a workshop on how to make transit oriented development (TOD) work along the planned SMART rail line. The forum will be held on Thursday, January 18, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Petaluma City Council Chambers. Panelists will discuss housing, transportation, green building, and urban design aspects of TOD that should be considered in station plans developed for the entire SMART corridor. Please RSVP to Julia Prange at juliaprange@gmail.com or 707-694-5482

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NEWS FROM TALC MEMBER GROUPS

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TALC's newest member: Friends of BRT
TALC would like to welcome our newest member group: Friends of BRT. The organization is dedicated to building support for Bus Rapid Transit in Berkeley. Besides a website, they have a great blog with a range of articles and postings on bus rapid transit around the country.

Learn more: www.friendsofbrt.org and berkeleybrt.blogspot.com

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Is your organization working for a better Bay Area?
If your organization is working on any of the issues that TALC holds near and dear (community health, pedestrian/bike safety, environmental protection, smart growth, social justice, public transit, etc.) and isn't yet a member or affiliate group of TALC, please join us and the regional movement for a better Bay Area!

Learn more: www.transcoalition.org/members.html

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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Interns for transportation campaigns
As you can see from this update, 2007 will be an incredibly exciting and busy year for transit advocates. TALC is looking for two interns that can dedicate 20 hours or more per week to these efforts, and the ability to commit to working through the end of May. We are looking for people with at least two years of volunteer or work experience in community organizing or planning. Stipends are available and will be based on experience and time commitment. If you're interested please send a resume and an e-mail with two or three paragraphs outlining your interest and availability to karla@transcoalition.org.

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Come party with TALC's ten-year celebration committee
TALC is turning ten this year! In the works is a fun celebration this fall that will highlight the organizations that have made TALC's victories possible and showcase the Picturing the Future of the Bay Area photo contest. TALC is looking for volunteers to join the committee that will help shape a great event. Contact Marta Lindsey at marta@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x321 to get involved.

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Donate a prize for TALC's photography contest
Help make our upcoming Picturing the Future of the Bay Area photo contest a success by donating a prize to help inspire great entries. Examples of prizes: a cash prize or service from your company, frequent flyer miles, tickets to events, free nights at hotels, gift certificates, use of a timeshare, bike gear, or transit passes. Interested in donating or being an event sponsor? Contact Marta Lindsey at marta@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x321.

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Volunteer for TALC's Summit
We are looking for people to commit to volunteering in advance of, and during, our Summit on March 24th (see description above). Specific volunteer needs include: videographer, session timers and note takers, audio-visual set up, registration, and other general help. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Carli Paine at carli@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x315.