Check out this week's featured stories: 

1. We're Hiring!

2. Farewell: Jana Schwartz

3. Promotion Spotlight: Angelica Rocha

4. Caltrans Active Transportation Plan

5. Spaces as Places Survey

6. Discover Leucadia Walking Loops

7. Policy Letter: Request for Funding for Final Adopted Budget

8. Circulate in the News

Circulate San Diego and BikeSD submitted a letter urging the City of San Diego to include funding for bus lanes, the Downtown Mobility Plan, Vision Zero outreach, and a mode shift incentive program in the FY 2022 Final Adopted Budget. The letter also urged the City to research and consider an unarmed civilian transportation enforcement division responsible for nonviolent traffic and transportation-related infractions. In addition, the letter requested that all "Sexy Streets" projects include dedicated pedestrian and bicycle right-of-way.

The Mayor’s May Budget Revise includes significant investments in Vision Zero and Complete Streets. These investments will bring us towards a safer and more equitable San Diego that provides real transportation options to a significant portion of its residents. They will also bring us closer to the mode shift goals contained in San Diego’s Climate Action Plan, which are essential for meeting our greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets.

While the Revised Proposed Budget makes many good investments, the City can and should make it better. By implementing the letter's recommendations in the Final Adopted Budget, the City will make even more progress towards its Vision Zero and Climate Action Plan goals. Read the full letter here [pdf].

Circulate San Diego joined 38 other California organizations in signing a letter urging Congress to invest in public transit. While Congressional funding for public transit in the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan averted disaster, public transit deserves continuing investment by the federal government. Every dollar invested in transit offers a five-to-one economic return and every $1 billion invested produces 49,700 jobs. Moreover, investing in public transit is also an investment in racial justice because it is essential to the economic well-being of communities of color. Investments in public transit are also critical to averting a climate disaster.

For these reasons, the coalition requested $20 billion in annual funding for transit operations. Federal funding for transit is generally reserved for capital investments like new buses, trains, and rail lines. However, riders' ability to rely on transit ultimately depends on the level of service offered by their local transit system. Federal investment in public transit service will serve communities better, saving existing riders' time and bringing new riders into the system. 

The coalition also requested an expansion in over-subcribed capital funding, funding for zero-emissions fleets, funding for safe streets and transit-friendly communities, and fair treatment for transit workers. Read the full letter here. [pdf]