We believe we share a common goal. To refocus transportation priorities toward people by ensuring everyone has a way to get around town. When more people are involved in transportation decisions, with sound information and analysis, we will achieve real reform in our transportation system. Transit for Livable Communities links grassroots action with policy reform that brings victories at the legislature; We also unite and build the power of diverse individuals and organizations to be stronger advocates in their own communities. Bottom line: it’s not just about what we do; it’s how we do it. It’s why we work in coalitions, rather than by ourselves. It’s why we work with our members to build their skills as effective advocates. It’s why our staff, board, and members can be found at meetings with small neighborhood organizations or in the halls of the state capitol (sometimes on the same day!). Here’s some of what we’ve already accomplished through your active support: Leading efforts to maintain and improve transit service. Despite significant cuts to nearly all state programs, TLC’s advocacy work ensured that transit fares were not raised and service was not cut!! Without TLC, a 25 cent increase would have led to a decrease in 2.1 million bus rides annually. This was a crucial victory for transit dependent riders during a time of economic stress on many households. Making Minnesota’s streets and sidewalks safe for bicyclists and pedestrians. TLC has awarded over $16 million to infrastructural improvements and educational programs through Bike Walk Twin Cities, one of four pilots nationwide. We waged a lawn sign awareness campaign for pedestrians and cyclists distributing over 2000 posters and lawn signs featuring slogans like “You never have to bail your shoes out of an impound lot” and “Texting while walking rarely causes multiple-person pile ups.” Organizing communities. Thanks to your support, we’re growing! In 2009, Transit for Livable Communities engaged over 100 members during the legislative session, added a second organizer, established two member organizing teams in the east and west metro, and began preparing for the 2010 governor’s race and legislative session. We are currently planning a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, which will be held on January 27th, 2010, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the University of Minnesota’s Coffman Union. Your support for TLC’s work has made a tremendous positive impact. Here’s where your financial support will make a difference: Increasing transit service. A transportation system is a region’s circulatory system—and transit lines are the arteries. We made great strides this year in securing funding to start building a full network of modern light rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit. In 2010, we will advocate for nearly $65 million in bonding projects at the legislature. In addition, we will continue to advocate that we maintain and increase bus and rail service to meet higher demand and keep fares affordable. Safer intersections, more sidewalks, expanded bicycle networks. 2010 will be an exciting year for bicyclists and pedestrians in the Twin Cities. Be prepared to join us for over 30 celebratory project openings! The result will be safer and easier travel to many important destinations, helping to create effective bicycle and pedestrian transportation systems for our region. Among the exciting projects – the first bicycle boulevards in Minnesota, a new bicycle station at the U of M, a Golden Valley road conversion from 4 lanes to 3 (“road diet”) that will model a suburban complete street, connections on major trails, and many on-street improvements in neighborhoods across the Twin Cities area. The result: more people walking, biking, and taking transit for everyday trips and more livability for us all. Developing community leadership. The addition of a second organizer has accelerated our transition from mobilizing individuals for specific actions and events, to developing leaders with the relationships and the skills to build the public movement necessary to transform the region’s transportation system. We need your support to maintain and increase this commitment. We all know that grassroots organizing is essential to building our movement in Minnesota. We have made great progress in some areas and we must redouble our efforts in others. Overall, we are creating the change we want to see in our region and it is because of YOUR SUPPORT! Thank You!