Resolution to support Streets for All Seattle

The following resolution has been submitted and will be considered at our September meeting. Please feel free to comment here on our blog.

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT STREETS FOR ALL SEATTLE

WHEREAS many neighborhoods in the 46th Legislative District lack sidewalks and safe street crossings for pedestrians;

WHEREAS we, the 46th District Democrats, stated in our platform that: “better public transportation will promote equal opportunity and will improve the quality of life for all;” and that we support:

“1. Establishing public transit as a priority over road construction, so as to better serve the public and reduce auto use and emissions;
2. High-density development and economical rapid transit in urban areas;
3. Incorporating vital local concerns into transportation planning; ...
5. Reviewing Seattle planning and zoning to reduce automobile use by promoting density around transit centers and route intersections.”

WHEREAS, Seattle’s Pedestrian Master Plan and Bicycle Master Plan are underfunded (in 2008, only $12 million of SDOT’s $200 million budget was spent on bicycle and pedestrian improvements);

WHEREAS the Seattle City Council in February 2010 adopted a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030;

WHEREAS Seattle voters have strongly supported transportation initiatives, including 69% for Transit Now (2006), 53% for Bridging the Gap levy (2006), and 70% for Sound Transit 2 (2008);

WHEREAS we believe improvements to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure can help:
1. create livable, walkable neighborhoods that attract residents and employers,
2. increase mobility and quality of life for all members of the community, including the young, the old, the poor, and the disabled,
3. enhance street safety (there were 1,045 bike accidents in Seattle between 2006 and 2008), and
4. promote clean transportation choices that lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our production of greenhouse gases.

NOW, THEREFORE, on this 16th day of September, 2010, also known as “World Ozone Day,” the 46th District Democrats resolve as follows:

Recognizing that transportation budgets are typically separate from general fund accounts, we support the goal of increasing investments in infrastructure and services that promote walking, bicycling and transit as means of transportation in Seattle;

We support efforts to raise $30 million in new dedicated annual revenue to help stave off cuts in Metro bus service, double the city’s commitment to the underfunded Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans, and build critical elements of Seattle’s transportation infrastructure;

We further support investment in sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure in areas of the city where sidewalks currently do not exist; and

The Chair of the 46th District Democrats should recommend a member of the 46th to serve on the advisory committee of Streets For All Seattle.

Submitted by Rep. Scott White