MoveLA: Fast Forward from Union Station (February) to Washington (March) to Sacramento (April) 1

Funding transit projects in the wake of Measure J’s defeat was the subject of MoveLA’s February meeting at Union Station. I counted 38 panelists, including elected officials and agency heads, transportation managers, transit / housing / environmental advocates, academics, and private developers.

Main takeaways: MoveLA is mobilizing business, labor, environmental, housing, development, and transportation advocates to push for a lower voter threshold in California for approving new taxes. Lack of support among “affluent voters” in outlying areas was blamed for Measure J’s narrow defeat (nothing was said about voter objections to highway / tunnel plans in the 710 study, or the official opposition of the Bus Riders Union to Measure J). Move LA hoped in February to leverage local Measure R funds with the America Fast Forward program.

More takeaways: business and labor both want better transportation options, new transit hubs attracting high-end development will push out low-income tenants if preserving and/or increasing affordable housing isn’t a priority, and advocates will also seek California Cap and Trade auction proceeds for transportation projects.

Los Angeles Transit Corridors Cabinet members were on hand to present their strategy and draft work plan. Housing Dept General Manager Mercedes Marquez was interviewed in advance, as she wasn’t able to attend. The manager she sent talked about making sure transit stops were near libraries (a very good idea!). Another panelist added, “..it is not just about affordable housing, but about complete amenities and services near housing.”

In mid-March, MoveLA went on a mission to Washington to pursue America Fast Forward funding, talking with members of Congress about regional transportation needs and about replacing the federal gas tax with a federal sales tax on gas. They didn’t leave with a check. However, the group continues to advocate for federal lending to local transportation agencies.

MoveLA is also participating at a Sacramento summit April 23-24 with TransForm to advocate for including funding for transportation choices and affordable homes in the state’s cap-and-trade program, and is featured on the Sustainable Communities for All proposal for using cap and trade auction proceeds.