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Advocating for TRANSIT, BICYCLING & WALKING in the Twin Cities www.tlcminnesota.org. Bringing people together in support of transit, biking & walking since 1996. Our Mission. We envision a Minnesota where people, employers, and communities can thrive because:
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Advocating for TRANSIT, BICYCLING & WALKING in the Twin Citieswww.tlcminnesota.org
Bringing people together in support of transit, biking & walking since 1996.
Our Mission • We envision a Minnesota where people, employers, and communities can thrive because: • We have world-class public transit and communities designed for bicycling and walking • Agencies and policy makers put people first – not cars – and seize the full potential of transportation to improve quality of life. • A broad-based, diverse movement advocates for healthy and affordable transportation and supportive land use. • When we do this well, we are healthier, more connected and economically vital. CORE VALUES Visionary Leadership Equity Community Engagement Excellence Stewardship
Research related to public investments in transit & related infrastructure • Educate the public and policy makers • Advocate for public policy changes • Organize supporters What does tlc do?
Minnesota Transportation amendment 2006 First state-level dedicated funding for public transit: Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) now dedicated strictly to transit and roads.
Historic override of transit veto 2008 New region-wide ¼ cent Sales Tax for build-out of transitways: Successful legislative override of Governor’s veto. $90 M annually in 5-county metro
Complete streets legislation 2010 MnDOT required to assess the needs of ALL users, including bicyclists & pedestrians, in roadway design.
Bike Walk twin cities 0 Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Project (NTP) authorized by Congress in 2005: TLC administers competitive grant-making to Minneapolis and surrounding cities to increase biking & walking. • 75-miles of new bikeways & pedestrian facilities • Sibley Bike Library • Nice Ride bike sharing • Communications efforts • Design assistance
Prepare fact-based reports & briefs • Educate the public & policy makers • Organize constituents • Lobby for change How does tlc do it?
10,000 members and growing What do tlc members do?
Learn and Play Together • Regular meetings • Guest speakers • Timely topics What do tlc members do?
Pre-session meetings with legislators • Testimony at committee hearings • Governor’s roundtable • Transit press conference Talk with Decision-Makers & Media What do tlc members do?
Table at community events like active-living expos, bike rides, farmers markets, etc. • Phone banking to invite to forums Reach out to supporters & new friends What do tlc members do?
Creative actions for the kid in all of us! What do tlc members do?
1995 – Founded by small group of advocates • 1996 – Incorporated as non-profit • 1997 – given 501(c)3 status by IRS & awarded grant • 1996-2000 – continue to build members & supporters • 2001 – hired professional Exec. Director In The beginning …
Build new transitways & double the bus service In The beginning …
Starting a movement for choices (1) It only takes ONE PERSON to get the movement started. Add a few more to build momentum. When the room is full, the movement is in motion! It begins with one Committed neighbor
Starting a movement for choices (2) The vision must be clear & understandable. Be specific. Be consistent. Define the goal
Starting a movement for transit (3) Debunk the myths. See the vision; be aspirational. Build a solid reputation. Get the facts out
Starting a movement for choices (4) Donations from friends & allies. Community foundations. Partner with a fiscal agent. Don’t skimp on professionals, when needed. secure seed money
Starting a movement for choices (5) A message is different coming from Transit for Livable Communities rather than “John & Barb”. Work with the media. Don’t be shy. Make a name for yourself
Starting a movement for choices (6) Prepare talking points to share with allies. Deliver presentations in person. Communicate with volunteers & other supporters. Get the word out
Starting a movement for choices (7) Get to know your state & local officials. Let them know you’re committed and that you have friends. Find legislative champions
Starting a movement for choices (8) Transit Partners Metro Leaders for Transit Citizens for Southwest Complete Streets Coalition Build a broad-base of support