In July 2012, Metro Atlantans will head to the polls to vote on a one-percent sales tax to fund regional transportation improvements over the next decade. This is the first time residents of all 10 counties have been asked to vote on a regional issue, and this historic vote raises some big questions. If the referendum passes, how can we know the money will be allocated fairly and for maximum impact?
How much should we spend on roads; how much should we spend on transit? Who is responsible for ensuring the work gets done on time and on budget? If the referendum fails, what impact would continued congestion have on our economy and our quality of life? Are there other options for meeting the transportation needs of our fast-growing population?
Get a Move On is a year long effort to stimulate and maintain a thoughtful, grassroots dialogue around what is arguably the most critical issue facing the Atlanta region today.
The conversation begins with a 10-County Town Hall on Saturday, July 23 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Loudermilk Center for the Regional Community (40 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta GA 30303; convenient to I-85 and the Five Points MARTA Station). This event is free and open to the public, though space is limited, so registration is requested at http://www.getamoveonatlanta.org/ or by calling (404) 221-1553.
Get a Move On participants representing all 10 counties will have the chance to participate in a facilitated conversation designed to gauge their views on topics that are central to the regional transportation debate:
- Overall priorities for a fast-growing region
- What types of transportation investments would truly make a positive difference in the region’s future
- The proper balance between transit and roads
- Developing the project list – citizens’ advice for the Regional Roundtable
- Accountability and governance
This initiative is led by The Civic League for Regional Atlanta, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in 2006 to engage the people of the region in the plans and policies shaping the region and to serve as a conduit between citizens and decision makers. The Civic League neither supports nor opposes the 2012 transportation sales tax referendum. Instead, its role is to provide citizens with good information, a neutral forum for learning and discussion, and a sound process for expressing their thoughts.
The people of the region should have a place alongside elected officials and business leaders in determining the future of the region, and The Civic League is working to make that a reality for the transportation debate and all other issues that have a regional impact.
For additional information, please contact The Civic League at info@civicleagueatlanta.org or (404) 221-1553.