Oregon Needs a Future Transportation Caucus

Climate, labor, and gun advocates all caucus in Salem, so why doesn't transportation?

Why does Oregon need a Future Transportation Caucus? Simple: because our future demands it. Imagine a state where the air is cleaner, the streets are safer, and commutes are cheaper and faster. That's the promise of a Future Transportation Caucus in Salem, a critical move if we're serious about tackling the intertwined challenges of climate crisis, housing affordability, and inequality in our transportation system.

Oregon should take a cue from Massachusetts Congressperson Ayanna Pressley, who spearheaded the Future Transportation Caucus in DC. This isn't just about policy—it's about adjusting our compass to the realities of the 21st century. We know that investments in public and active transportation are critical to a thriving economy and healthy communities. Oregon has the chance to lead by example, to show that progressive transportation isn't a pipe dream but a practical pathway to improving everyday lives. A future transportation caucus can help drive this vision forward, transforming advocacy into investment.

In communities around the state, the cries for safer, more accessible routes to schools, parks, and churches have been loud but largely unanswered. Workers and employers alike desire public transit that unclogs roads and keeps the workforce moving. The Street Trust has outlined a vision where multimodal transportation is not just an option but a priority. This isn't radical; it's common sense.

A future transportation caucus can help transform advocacy into investment. This isn't radical; it's common sense.

There are many passionate, experienced transportation leaders on both sides of the aisle in Salem, and for them we are grateful. But we need more champions, and we need them working together to exercise greater influence on our behalf.

From lobby days to white papers, policymaker rides to candidate trainings, The Street Trust believes that effectively educating state and local policymakers is a critical part of our work. That’s why The Street Trust developed and launched our first Candidate Transportation School back in 2021. We know that educating people running for office in Oregon can help elevate a safer. low-carbon, multimodal transportation system as a priority issue at all levels of government and in all parts of the state.

Our ‘Transportation 101’ curriculum is non-partisan and accessible to people without a transportation background. By explaining and verifying our principles and priorities through the best available data and science, we can hold leadership accountable for making real progress in improving transportation options for people in their communities. By focusing on issues that address the needs of the most vulnerable people in our communities, we can broaden and diversify our movement, and cultivate new champions for our issues. 

Legislators, here's your call to action: Band together, form this caucus, and champion a transportation revolution. We're at a pivotal moment—our environmental and social imperatives are clear. Let's shift gears and build a transportation system that reflects our values of equity and sustainability. The road ahead is one of opportunity - we can Move Oregon Forward together.

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Policymakers E-Bike Ride @ B-line Urban Delivery on August, 2022.

Did you know that attending Candidate Transportation School is a prerequisite for endorsement from The Street Trust Action Fund? As a 501c3, The Street Trust will never endorse or campaign for candidates for office, but we can educate and empower them to be champions for improved safety and complete streets. Visit the website of our sister organization, TST Action Fund - a 501c4 organization that can endorse candidates, to learn more about their endorsement process and endorsed candidates.

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