Smoother Road Ahead: Two Transportation Measures Pass in Oregon

Transit and safe streets will get a boost thanks to the passage of two measures on the May 2016 ballot, making it easier and safer for Oregonians to get around. OEC was proud to endorse both of these measures, and we are celebrating their success!

In Southern Oregon, voters said YES to 15-141, which provides funding to restore and expand bus service in Ashland, Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, Talent, Phoenix and White City. Given that the state of Oregon only contributes 3% to local transit operations (compared with an average state contribution of over 24% nationally), local measures like these are essential for keeping critical public transportation services running. Research shows that businesses, communities and our environment thrive when public transportation does too. We applaud the team at Rogue Valley Transit Now on their success, and we hope it can be a source of inspiration for other Oregon communities that value the many benefits transit brings.

In Portland, voters approved a measure to invest in critical street repairs. Not only will this measure address potholes, but also make our streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists through improvements to crosswalks and sidewalks on busy intersections and near bus, light rail stations and schools. We applaud the team at Fix Our Streets Portland for educating residents about the importance of this measure.

Both of these measures had the support of a broad range of stakeholders. Parents, business owners, civic leaders, affordable housing advocates, educational institutions and environmental organizations like ours came together to say that safe and vibrant transportation matters to Oregonians.

Want to learn more about how you can lend your voice for Oregon? Sign up here for our Grassroots Action and Information Network! Receive action alerts, lobby day invitations, volunteer opportunities and more.

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