Transit Means Business was held on August 18, 2011 at the Wells Fargo Conference Center in Phoenix. Hosted by Friends of Transit in cooperation with 26 transit and business organizations, Transit Means Business was designed to educate the business community about the importance of transit. Approximately 150 people attended the event and participated in this important discussion. Below is an overview of the program, links to the presentations and printed material from the event, a link to a participant survey and event photos.

We would like to offer a special thank you to our sponsor for the event:

Transit Means Business
Executive Summary

Yvonne Hunter, Fennemore Craig
Chair, Friends of Transit Board of Directors
Yvonne’s presentation emphasized the importance of transit to the business community.
Transit Means Business insert

Without a viable transportation plan and the means to execute the plans, Arizona’s economic future will be stunted. Arizona’s current system is comparable to the needs of a state the size of Rhode Island. Arizona remains one of the fastest growing states in the nation, and the hard reality is that we have less than half of the transportation system that the state will need by 2050. We need the economic growth that comes with transportation investment- new jobs, new development, and the infrastructure to move people and goods. Transit is also one of the best ways to accomplish the trip reduction standards required by Maricopa County. It is imperative that the business community works in tandem with our transit agencies to find solutions to the transportation infrastructure shortfall in the state.

Eric Emmert, Dorn Policy Group
Eric’s presentation reviewed the history of transit in the Valley.
PowerPoint
Transit Milestones insert
Transit funding insert

Transit systems in the Phoenix metropolitan area appear to be a patchwork, stitched together over time with the business community always included the fabric. Eric reviewed the elections that established the system we use today, and highlighted the role of the business community in each successful campaign. Use the links above to view Eric’s PowerPoint and the Friends of Transit Transit Milestones page for more information on the campaigns. The key factor in each successful ballot initiative has been support from the business community, and any future initiative needs to have that same support.

Don Keuth, Phoenix Community Alliance
and Discovery Triangle Development Corporation
Don’s presentation addressed some of the challenges facing transit.
Challenges and Issues insert

Estimates indicate that the Phoenix area is likely to see population growth of as many as 2.5 million people in the next 25 years. It is important to recognize the future growth and plan for the best ways to accommodate that growth. Don discussed his views on the need to find the best ways to move people, and that those efforts must start now. The region must “densify” and start building more affordable housing to support the retail development growth along the light rail line. It also important to examine merging the various transit agencies to aid in financing and planning efforts. With the current economic problems, the State is facing serious cuts to healthcare and education, leaving transit and transportation low on the list of priorities for lawmakers. Voters have proven in the past that they will approve a clear plan for transportation; we must engage the voters to find transportation solutions.

Audience Discussion
Throughout the Transit Means Business program, there was robust discussion with the audience. The panelists stressed that the key message to a successful funding initiative is participation from the business community. Key leaders from past initiatives were recognized; tireless champions such as Denny Mitchem and Woody Thomas, and those are the kind of voices we need to identify moving forward.

We were also fortunate to have several members of the audience address specific issues. State Representative Steve Farley provided a brief update on the Tucson Streetcar, revealing that there has already been $180 million in development along the route. Representative Farley also gave an update on the federal funding negotiations, and called on the business community to assist in letting lawmakers at all levels know how important transportation infrastructure is to business. Amanda McGennis with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) let the audience know that the AGC is starting to look at the next transportation funding initiative, and the AGC recognizes the importance of all modes, including transit. Marc Pearsall from MAG updated the audience on the recent Commuter Rail Studies and the challenges presented in making commuter rail a reality in the region. Steve Banta with METRO Light Rail emphasized that the agencies want nothing more than to provide a system with higher levels of service, and called on the audience to make their voices heard with policymakers to work toward that goal.

Interested in learning more?
Please contact Friends of Transit at 602-818-1024 or email megan@goodmanschwartz.com if you are interested in learning more about the Transit Means Business program, or would like a presentation at your organization about the program.

Photos