Independence, Not Car-Dependence
Level of Effort: Choose Your Own Adventure
Deadline: Email - Thu 7/17 5pm
Date and Time: Virtual or in-Person Testimony - Sat 7/19 ~10am
Campaign: Arlington's Transportation Future: A New Transportation Plan for the next 30 Years

In March you spoke up and demanded a more aspirational Vision and Goals for the future of Arlington's Transportation System.  Staff heard and responded with some much-improved language, making it clear that continuing the status quo would not be enough.  The Vision included making it possible for Arlingtonians to get around Arlington "without having to depend on a car" and that we wanted to "move more people with less traffic".

This improved draft Vision is already under attack, with the Transportation Commission recommending that the "move more people with less traffic" language be changed to "move more people through multiple options" which says almost nothing of substance.  Even worse, the Planning Commission recommended removing the phrase "without having to depend on a car" from the Vision Statement!

We have heard CLEARLY through this process that Arlingtonians want to be able to get around without a car.  That they want INDEPENDENCE, not CAR DEPENDENCE.  Tell the County Board to reject these recommendations and share our vision for a future where getting around by car is a CHOICE, not a REQUIREMENT.

Suggested Feedback

There are two ways to speak up - the most impactful is to speak at the Saturday Board Meeting, either in-person or via Teams.  This is the first real item on the agenda, so it should be taken up soon after the 10am start time for agenda items. Sign up to speak here.  It is agenda item #50.

The second way is to email the County Board <countyboard@arlingtonva.us>.  Sample language below.  Deadline Thursday 7/17 at 5pm.  

Tell the County Board that our vision for transportation in Arlington is independence, not car dependence.  Getting around Arlington in a car should be a choice, not a requirement.  We should keep these important phrases in the draft Vision and build upon them in Phase 2.

Example language:

Dear County Board,

I am writing today to urge you to retain the "more people with less traffic" and "without having to depend on a car" in the Vision and Goals for our future transportation plan.  We want a future where getting around via car is a choice, not a requirement.  We want a future where we are independent, not car-dependent. These phrases are important to making clear that the status quo is NOT ENOUGH and Arlington's transportation system must better support other ways of getting around, like walking, biking, and transit.

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