Transit case studies

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Expo Line light rail approvals – 2001 and 2010

• Opportunity for light rail from downtown Los Angeles west to Santa Monica along existing railroad right-of-way
• Opposition by NIMBYs and rail transit opponents
• Formed volunteer group Friends 4 Expo Transit, including SC Angeles Chapter
• Presented opportunity and need for light rail’s speed, comport, and capacity in this high-density corridor to many neighborhood groups
• Gathered endorsements and signatures and mobilized supporters via email and website to public meetings
• Achieved support of city councils and MTA board approval
• Created constituency for larger transit network that led to Move LA

Measure R, Los Angeles County 2008 1/2-cent sales tax – Move LA coalition

• Organized conference on how to fund L.A.’s transit network
• Built coalition of labor, business, environmentalists, transit agency, and elected officials to create and support county sales tax ballot measure
• Achieved passage over necessary 2/3 majority
• Continuing as leading voice for transit funding (America Fast Forward) and smart growth planning (MPO SCAG’s Regional Plan)