Where are we?
the problem Whether for water, rail, road or air travel, Chicago’s role as a transportation hub has always been a key factor in the region’s emergence as a global economic and cultural center. However, Cook County is riddled with hazards and inefficiencies stemming from an outdated, crumbling transportation infrastructure that threatens the county’s economic competitiveness. With gas prices over $4 and rising, residents— especially those in many suburbs—are beginning to realize the true costs of a sprawling, automobiledependent transportation system. Rapidly increasing transportation costs, time wasted in traffic, and poor air quality will progressively worsen unless we take drastic action as a county to fix our region’s crumbling transportation system now.
Where are we going?
the vision In order to ensure the future prosperity of Cook County, a commitment must be made to a bold new vision for transit. The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) has a vision of a new vitality for the Chicago region based on a growing, resource-efficient central city, surrounded by compact suburban centers with inclusive economic opportunity and green jobs accessible by an infrastructure system that decreases the cost of living and permits more efficient use of resources.
Building on our vision for the region, CNT’s Transit Future campaign envisions a vital public transit system that fosters a fusion of high quality, lowcarbon living, and inclusive economic success.
the context
National After championing an accelerated funding process for transit capital projects in his home county, in Summer 2011 Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa became chair of the US Conference of Mayors (USCOM). Under Villaraigosa’s leadership, America Fast Forward (AFF), a funding mechanism that empowers and encourages localities to invest in transportation plans through low interest federal loans and long-term bonds, has become the top priority program of the USCOM. Furthermore, Congress is expected to make progress on a national transportation bill; this new legislation will likely include an innovative financing option that AFF is seeking. While passing such legislation would be a huge step forward for transportation, Chicago’s transportation agencies will be unprepared and unable to take advantage of the new innovative funding options unless a local funding source has been identified to match the federal funds.
Local While other regions, like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and the Twin Cities have created new dedicated revenue streams to fund critical transit system improvements, sustained capital funding for transit remains elusive in Illinois. It’s time to change that. Transit Future believes that Cook County residents—like residents in other regions—will stand behind their elected officials in support of a dedicated revenue stream to fund necessary transit system improvements that will create much needed jobs, reduce congestion and pollution, and create more livable communities throughout the region. © 2011 Center for Neighborhood Technology • 2125 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 • p: 773-278-4800 • f: 773-278-3840
• www.cnt.org