2021 August newsletter

{{FirstName or 'Friend'}}, your support

has been invaluable!

Dear {{FirstName or 'Friend'}},

Thank you to all who filled out our survey to help us set policy and campaign priorities, and to all those who have donated to our mid-year fundraising campaign! One lucky winner who filled out our survey will be receiving a $100 gift card for REI or the National Park Service.

Keep reading to find out how your contributions have helped CSG and more ways you can help shape the future of your community.

Regional

Bipartisan yes, but here’s what’s missing in the deal

It’s good to see bipartisanship in the Senate infrastructure deal, which also authorizes $150 million per year in capital funds for WMATA. But despite cries about crumbling bridges, there’s no requirement that states fix aging roads and bridges first. Transit funding has also been reduced from the “traditional” and limited 20% share of the highways/transit package. Call Congress via the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and follow @T4America on Twitter to stay up to date.

No way to make big transportation decisions

On July 21, following a campaign by Governor Hogan, the regional Transportation Planning Board voted to keep I-495/I-270 toll lanes in the long-range transportation plan, despite having previously voted to remove it. Missing are transparency and objective analysis of alternatives given the project’s high cost to parks, streams, neighborhoods, drivers, and the climate. We’ve called for study of a transit-oriented communities strategy – especially in Prince George’s County, to fix the E-W jobs imbalance, shorten commutes, and reduce emissions. Maryland residents should email Maryland’s Board of Public Works!

D.C.

Maryland

Help shape a growing, inclusive Ward 3

We teamed with our friends at Ward3Vision on another informative community event about shaping the future of Ward 3. Check out the terrific presentations here, with creative ideas for placemaking and growth along Ward 3’s main streets. Watch your inbox for future events, and if you live in Ward 3, sign up to be on Ward3Vision’s email list.

Support this new bus rapid transit in Montgomery County

We are excited to see study of a new Veirs Mill Road bus rapid transit service between Montgomery College and Wheaton Metro station, a much needed county connector we have long supported. Take the survey to help Montgomery County design stations to best serve residents.

Become a member of Montgomery for All

We're taking Montgomery for All to the next level and we want you to join us by becoming a member! Members vote for steering committee members and our annual advocacy priorities, though our monthly meetings will remain open to non-members. The annual membership fee is $5. Additional donations are also welcome. If you’d like a fee waiver, contact jane@smartergrowth.net.

A stronger Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan

Transit-oriented development should be a priority in the county’s Climate Action Plan. TOD at 15 Metro and 11 Purple Line stations will bring more jobs, shorter commutes, and more transit, walk, and bike trips: a win-win-win for equity, economic opportunity, and climate. Email County officials to support smart growth solutions and attend a public meeting August 19 to voice your opinion.

Want better bus service for Prince George’s? We do too!

Our local advocates at RISE Prince George’s hosted a forum on the state of bus service in Prince George’s. Check out the recording of the event. Join RISE Prince George’s at the next meeting to talk about winning better buses, TOD, safer streets and housing for all. Sign up here to get updates.

Virginia

A win for transit-oriented communities in Fairfax!

With your help, we won a unanimous vote of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the West Falls Church Metro plan to transform acres of parking lots into an inclusive, walkable, bikefriendly, transit-oriented community. Next, we’ll be helping create

safer bike and pedestrian access from surrounding neighborhoods. Stay tuned for updates.

Drumroll, please…

Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the raffle winner from our supporter survey!

Congratulations to Elizabeth Farry – make sure you check your inbox for next steps to get your prize.

Thank you!

A huge thank you to everyone who has filled out our supporter survey or donated to our mid-year fundraising campaign. Your support and input is invaluable. If you haven’t yet donated to our campaign just yet, this is your chance! Your contribution helps us win campaigns for walkable, transit-accessible neighborhoods, more transit, and affordable housing close to jobs and transit.

With gratitude, Stewart Schwartz

Executive Director Coalition for Smarter Growth

Images from bundokbiker (Flickr), Daniel Kelly (Flickr), Lane Construct, ehpien (Flickr), MCDOT, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Prince George's County Council, Prince George's County, West Falls Church

Support a thriving D.C. region today by donating!

Visit us online at smartergrowth.net

Coalition for Smarter Growth

P.O. Box 73282

2000 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

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