SacMoves got its start in 2014 as the Measure B Coalition to develop principles which could be used to inform the language and projects of the 2016 Measure B transportation sales tax measure. Initial members were the nonprofit organizations in the Breathe building. We did not take a position on that measure, however, a number of member organizations did take a position of opposition, primarily because the projects were just a wish list compiled by the cities and county, without any apparent reference to principles or performance, without any documented connection to meeting the expressed transportation needs of the citizens of the county.

We also worked to influence the developing 2020 transportation sales tax measure, and had some impact on it, though it was never placed on the ballot due to the pandemic.

The 2022 Measure A ‘citizens initiative’, developed by and for the benefit of sprawl developers, was soundly defeated. A separate effort called ‘Measure A, No Way’ composed of many of the coalition members with leadership from Climate Plan, was in large part responsible for that defeat.

As a coalition, we don’t want to keep opposing transportation funding measures, we want a great measure that we can support. We do need transportation funds, particularly to balance out the past car dominance of our transportation system with walking and bicycling infrastructure, and transit operations and infrastructure.

Sacramento Transportation Authority has reached out to SacMoves as a leading source for a sustainability and equity perspective on transportation. The SacMoves Charter, on our home page and here, has led the way. The Charter was developed through a long process of consensus within the coalition, and lays out our values. The 2019 Framework was developed to influence the potential 2020 ballot measure. It will be updated to reflect the current situation, and is intended to address all transportation projects and funding with a clear set of principles for investment. We do not know at this time whether STA will decide to offer a ballot measure in 2026, and we do not know what SacRT or the SMART/Steinberg citizens initiative (called Measure C at the time) will offer.

We want to be ready for whatever comes. And we want to make sure our input is considered in the development of a funding measure, not just reacting to a measure after it has been written. We want a measure that is closely enough aligned with our values and principles that we can get behind it, and ensure it passes.

To do that, we need everyone in the coalition on board, our organizational members and individuals as well. So to everyone who has been active in the past, please become active again. Attend our meetings, which will probably become more frequent, and participate in formulating our positions, letters and documents. Attend agency and council meetings to speak up for better transportation investments. Activate your own networks. If you notice we are missing important voices from the coalition, let us know, and let them know.

Your most important next step is to join our groups.io email list so that you are informed of our meetings, other critical meetings, and pressing issues. Subscribe to either sacmoves-individuals+subscribe@groups.io for individuals, or sacmoves-organizations+subscribe@groups.io for organizational liaisons.

And then follow our LinkedIn company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/sacmoves-coalition/.

And then attend the next meeting, Friday, August 15, 10:00 AM, with the Zoom link that you will be sent through the groups.io email lists above.

Thank you!