The Challenge
Transportation is a critical issue because it is woven into almost every aspect of our existence. The kind of transportation we invest in determines the shape of our communities, our access to jobs and services, and how much of our time and money we spend on getting around. It also determines the cost of goods and the extent to which we use up diminishing energy supplies and produce emissions that warm the earth.
In the United States at every level of government, too little attention is paid to getting a return on transportation investments or maintaining the infrastructure we already have so we can grow sustainably and affordably.
Transportation infrastructure does not just move people from one place to another; it is a path to the American dream.
We are at a tipping point for change in transportation policy in the United States. Comprehensive federal transportation legislation must be reauthorized very soon. The financing mechanism for federal funding has collapsed, necessitating a new approach. In addition, global warming, energy insecurity, and anxiety about economic competitiveness are all converging to force policymakers to generate a new vision.
Our Strategy
The Foundation's Promoting Equitable, Sustainable Transportation initiative advocates for investment in affordable, environmentally-responsible transit. This initiative supports strategies at the national and local level. At the federal level, we are:
- Funding policy analysis and research that informs a new transportation policy for America.
- Encouraging national leaders and grassroots leaders to embrace a new policy agenda. Promoting and coordinating philanthropic participation in transportation work.
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At the same time, we are exploring state and local policy innovations. We are:
- Resourcing advocacy efforts to encourage state/metro reform. Building the internal capacity of state departments of transportation and metro planning organizations.
- Encouraging sustainability and equity through market and consumer levers.
Key Outcomes
This initiative contributes to smart infrastructure choices that create equitable and affordable transportation options in the United States. We are working to achieve three outcomes:
- Policy: Policymakers at all levels of government in the United States will have actionable and practical research and analytical support to advance equitable, sustainable and economically beneficial transportation policies.
- Capacity: A diverse constituency of national and grassroots leaders will be able to influence debates, positions and issues in transportation, and to hold leaders accountable.
- Expanded Partnerships: An ongoing network of philanthropic and major donor partners will continue to support federal efforts in sustainable transportation solutions, sustain regional ones and maintain reform infrastructure beyond the conclusion of the initiative's support.
Full Summary: Transportation (PDF)
