Priorities

Protect the investments made as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a bipartisan effort that invested in critical infrastructure and vibrant economies around the nation. Many infrastructure projects that rely on this funding are now in limbo. We would like to see these projects continue forward to allow use to realize those benefits to our local economies and quality of life, and to protect the investments we have already made with our time, effort, and local and state matches.

Increase both capital and operations investments in public transit and walkability to scale economic growth and development. 

For decades, the federal government has supported the cost of operating aviation through air traffic control and the cost of shipping through investment in ports and the management of locks and dams in the inland waterways. These are essential services for the movement of goods and people. Operating high quality transit is just as essential to get people to employment and to give businesses access to talent and customers. 

The current lack of operations funding makes it challenging for transit agencies to meet demand, especially as we invest in the liveability and walkability of small towns, tourist areas, and business and economic districts. A more balanced federal program would ensure that transit agencies can not only provide safe, modern vehicles and facilities, but also more and better service, leading to more consumer choice when it comes to local and regional travel.

Invest in rural and small urban transit systems to increase mobility outside large urban cores.

Small urban cities are often the regional hub for surrounding rural areas, and transit is an essential link between highly rural locations and regional services. But these areas often face large barriers to funding, including the fact that most federal funding requires a 50% local match. Reducing the match for funding would help small communities stretch their resources further. 

Additionally, these small urban and regional transit systems often make use of funding from both urban and rural programs, so increasing investment in both of these programs would benefit smaller, more rural agencies.

For more analysis and information, see our Small Cities, Big Moves report.