Hot Issues, Hot PotatoesCreating Collective Impact

Maggie HalesDeputy Executive Director

East-West Gateway Council of Governments

Transit Initiatives and Communities ConferenceJune 22, 2011

St. Louis RegionPublic Sector

2 States8 Counties

884 Units of Local

Governments

Private Sector4 Regional Business

AssociationsLarge

CorporationsEntrepreneurs

OthersNon-Profit

OrganizationsSpecial Interest

Groups

Citizens Rural, Suburban,

& Urban

We need Transit!

Build Capacity

Economic Development

Safety First Fix the Levees

More Bike Trails

Preserve Natural

Resources

No New Taxes

2.6 million people

Consensus is illusory, lookfor Common Ground

Finding Common GroundTIGER I: No collaboration, minimal funding

TIGER II: Collaboration, even less funding BUT we started the conversation

Economic & Fiscal Analysis: Some agree need a plan

for the future based on FACTS

Metro Transit Alliance: Numerous Partners, Successful ballot initiative

Long Range Transportation Plan: 10 Guiding Principles

Regional Plan for Sustainable Development: 11 Partners, $4.7 Million

Meaningful publiceducation and engagement

The “non-professionals” have a lot to teach usAND IF THEY VOTE, they effect change

1. Preserve and maintain the existing system2. Support public transportation3. Support neighborhoods and communities throughout the region4. Foster a vibrant downtown5. Provide more transportation choices6. Promote safety and security7. Support a diverse economy throughout the region 8. Support quality job development9. Strengthen intermodal connections10. Link transportation planning to housing, environment, education and energy

Ten Guiding Principles for EWG’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

1. Provide more transportation choices2. Promote equitable, affordable housing3. Enhance economic competitiveness4. Support existing communities5. Coordinate policies, leverage

investment6. Value communities & neighborhoods

Livability Principles*

*From DOT, HUD and EPA

Regional Plan for Sustainable Development

$4.68 million

11 Co-applicants

23 Supporters

Diverse, in every way, buttogether to support this “New Issue”

More Transportation Choices

Support Existing Communities

Affordable Housing

Neighborhood Grocery

Economic Development

Leave ideology at home

Similar Coalitions• Citizens for Modern Transit• East-West Gateway• Metro• FOCUS St. Louis• Trailnet• RCGA• Washington University• University of Missouri – St. Louis• Leadership Council Southwestern

Illinois

Moving Transit Forward

HUD Grant2011-2013

Ballot Initiative2010

Metro’s Long Range Plan 2009-2010

What Do They Have in Common?

• Broad inclusive partnerships where ideology is dormant

• Consensus not required• Fact-based, research and science

at the foundation, i.e., trustworthy• Extensive public engagement