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