DAVE METZ

1. Transportation Policy and Funding: What We Have Learned and Where We Are Going June 26, 2013 DAVE METZ

2. Lesson #1 Remember the Public is With You They support public transportation in principle and see it as the future.

3. In focus groups, voters across the political spectrum describe the “future of transportation” as one in which public transportation plays a more prominent role. “There will be trains everywhere..terminals where you can get everything.” – Suburban Atlanta Democrat “(I see) sleek, fast, quiet trains covering wide distances, going through the countryside.” – Suburban Detroit swing voter “If you build it, they will come. (People) will use it.” – Richmond Republican woman “(Public transportation) would be a well oiled machine that would work smoothly and be reliable…you would arrive when you’re supposed to.” – Suburban Atlanta Democrat “There will be friendlier neighborhoods where you could walk…not disconnected streets.” - Suburban Denver swing voter

4. Only one in five Americans backs building new roads as the best solution for traffic. • Which of the following proposals is the best long-term • solution to reducing traffic in your area? 2012 National Voter Survey for NRDC

5. Lesson #2 First and foremost, public transportation provides OPTIONS.

6. Americans do not feel they have options now, but would like them. Transportation Statements Strongly Agree 56% Strongly Agree 42% Strongly Disagree 17% Data from a Smart Growth America survey conducted February 27-March 2, 2010

7. But keep in mindthey want an OPTION,not a replacement; few can even imagine giving up a car. 34% Having a car is too expensive and too much trouble; I want to live where I don’t need one as much. Data from a Ford Foundation survey conducted by Harris Interactive 4th quarter, 2010.

8. Lesson #3 A “fix it” approach to transportation makes sense to voters, and they interpret “fix it” broadly.

9. In national polling the concept of “fix it” tests well. 86% Establishing a “fix-it-first” policy that focuses, as much as possible, on maintaining our existing networks of roads, bridges, and public transportation systems before building new ones. Strongly Favor Data from a Jan/Feb 2011 Hart Research/Public Opinion Strategies Poll

10. Lesson #4 There are significant disconnects between the public and elected officials on transportation.

11. The Gap DC leaders: • Don’t believe there is a constituency for maintenance over new roads • Are unconvinced about the case for jobs • Are worried about over-reaching; they think it’s a time for practicality, not vision • Want concrete, low-cost, patently possible ways to move forward

12. As for the public, nearly everyone agrees that transportation funding decisions are politically-driven. “Transportation infrastructure funding decisions are based more on politics than on need.” Total Agree 85% 62% Strongly Agree Total Disagree 13% Don't Know 2% July 2009 Greenberg/Public Opinion Strategies Poll

13. II. Looking Forward to Demographic Changes

14. Though growth in the population of Latino voters has lagged their population share, it has also grown dramatically. Data Collected by NALEO

15. This is good news for transportation, as communities of color evidence stronger support for public transportation. • 49% of voters of color report using public transportation, biking or carpooling in the past month, compared to 32%of whites • A 51% majority of voters of color supports increasing public transportation as the best solution to traffic, compared to 41% of whites • 84% of voters of color support local governments in their area investing more to expand and improve public transportation – including buses, trains, and light rail – compared to 65%of whites 2012 National Voter Survey for NRDC

16. Millennials are currently one-quarter of the US population, and a diverse audience. Share of Population Racial Distribution Millennial MetLife Market Institute

17. Millennials are more likely than others to want more transit and less driving, but are less likely to say it is not convenient. 2012 National Voter Survey for NRDC

18. III. Support for New Revenue

19. Americans over-estimate what their state spends on public transportation… • If you had to guess, what proportion of every dollar your state spends on transportation would you estimate currently goes to improving and maintaining public transportation – like buses or trains? 16.2% Average amount among those offering an opinion 2012 National Voter Survey for NRDC

20. …and still would like that proportion nearly doubled. • If you were in charge of your state’s transportation budget, what proportion of every dollar would you spend on improving and maintaining public transportation – like buses or trains? 28.1% Average amount among those offering an opinion 2012 National Voter Survey for NRDC

21. However, even after citizens hear how little their state actually takes in in gas taxes, they remain averse to an increase. • How acceptable would you find a proposal to increase gas • taxes by $.05 per gallon to fund improvements to • roads, highways and public transit in your state? TotalAcceptable39% TotalNot Too/At All Acceptable57% 2012 National Voter Survey for NRDC

22. For focus group participants a gas tax was a clear non-starter. • The immediate and overwhelmingly negative reaction to a gas tax – evident also in recent polling – cannot be over-stated. • One Philadelphia area woman burst out “Oh dear God!” upon being queried about a gas tax, and the immediate reaction was immediate and negative across all the groups. • There was a strong sense that the timing for a gas tax increase is wrong -- when the price of gas is already so high and many feel it will go higher. • “There’s no alternative to gas at the moment. Once you have this beautiful transportation infrastructure in place and driving is purely optional, then you could put a significant tax on [gas]. But for now there’s no choice.” -Raleigh male

23. Voters back systems that would require others to pay, but – at the national level – are leery of abroad-based approach like a sales tax. 15. I am going to read you a list of specific proposals that have been made for funding transportation improvements in your community. Please tell me whether you would find it acceptable or unacceptable as a way of funding transportation improvements in your community. *Split Sample.

24. So why did 79% of transit funding measures pass last November? • Though concerned about the economy, voters are becoming more confident about their personal financial situation. • Concern about tax rates remains relatively low. • Voters have far more confidence in local government than state or federal government. • “Bailout fatigue” leads to greater voter support for public spending that will benefit them in tangible, local ways. • Most voters view transportation infrastructure as an economic investment.

25. Strategies for Local Revenue Success • Stress the economic benefits of the measure in terms of job creation – both direct and indirect. • Make low per-household costs clear. • Highlight specific, flagship projects that are locally important. • Emphasize that funds will be spent locally – not at the state level. • Highlight fiscal accountability provisions – audits, oversight, public disclosure, sunset provisions, etc.