HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/23/2024 Item 7a, Veium
Eric Veium <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Read, Chris; Hill, Robert
Subject:\[POSSIBLE IMPERSONATION\] 7A Transit Innovation Study Review - SLO Climate
Coalition Comment
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Mayor Stewart and Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council,
As Chair and Co-Executive Director of the SLO Climate Coalition, I am writing to address the crucial matter of our transit
system ahead of this evening's transit innovation report study session. Effective transit is essential to achieving our
vision of a vibrant, just, and climate-resilient community.
Firstly, I would like to express our gratitude for the historical support that the City has provided to low carbon modes of
transportation including the city and regional transit system and our growing network of safe bike and pedestrian
infrastructure.
As San Luis Obispo strives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, it is imperative to recognize that transportation
emissions constitute a significant portion of community-wide GHG emissions, ranging from 50 to 60%. While our climate
goals are paramount, it is equally important to understand that an effective transit system is key to meeting a wide array
of our community's major city goals.
A robust transit system plays a pivotal role in enabling and supporting missing-middle housing, fostering quieter, safer,
healthier neighborhoods, reducing congestion, traffic and parking, supporting a vibrant economy, and maintaining a
bustling downtown. Beyond the climate benefits, investing in transit aligns with the city's values and vision.
We acknowledge the challenges associated with negative perceptions of the transit system. To address this, we
encourage strategies that shift community attitudes both through sustained communications and investments that
improve the convenience of the transit system, including modifying or adding routes and schedules. These
improvements will contribute to making the transit system more appealing to a broader audience and shifting
community perceptions
We see it as a necessity to shift our existing car culture towards a more sustainable, transit-friendly community.
Leveraging the already strong support for bikes and pedestrians can serve as a foundation for broader transit advocacy.
By doing so, we not only progress our climate goals but also foster a community that is interconnected and accessible
for all.
In conclusion, we urge the council to continue its support for the transit system and to prioritize investments in transit
improvements. The long-term benefits of such investments extend beyond climate gains to encompass a more vibrant,
connected, and resilient community. As we collectively work towards a carbon-neutral future, let us seize the
opportunity to create a transportation system that serves the diverse needs of our community.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Sincerely,
Eric Veium
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Eric Veium, MPP
he | him (why do pronouns matter?)
Chair and Co-Executive Director, SLO Climate Coalition
Coordinator, CCA Workforce & EJ Alliance
805.835.3669
eric@sloclimatecoalition.org
www.sloclimatecoalition.org
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