Ask re: Tues, June 4. Speak up for safety on our streets

[Clara Cantor]

Hi Greenways folks,

This week has been a really scary and heartbreaking one, with six people killed while travelling on our streets in the past week. All six people died while travelling along major arterials, in places we already know are dangerous, and what to do if we want to slow speeds and prevent tragedies like this from happening over and over again.

Seattle City Council needs to hear from us, as they're considering the size and scope of our city's transportation spending for the next 8 years.

Are you able to show up in person to the Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 4 at 4:30 pm to speak to council?

There's other opportunities to influence council (see below), but showing up in person to the Public Hearing would be the most impactful.

• Seattle Neighborhood Greenways' media statement this week.
• Talking points and Public Comment How-To

Thank you for speaking up for safety in on our streets!

Be well,

Clara

Thanks to your advocacy, the draft Transportation Levy that Mayor Harrell submitted to Council was significantly improved from his first proposal, with an additional $100 million towards sidewalks, bike lanes, safety projects, and more. 

But it still doesn't go far enough. We now have about 6 weeks to push city council until they finalize a Transportation Levy that will get us where we need to go for the next 8 years!

3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Push council about specific projects you'd like to see included or demand a larger overall levy that will get us to our safety, equity, and climate goals. Tell them why new sidewalks, bike lanes, or improved transit would make a difference to you personally. See our guide for public comments to council below, or click here for talking points, public comment how-to, and our full list of demands. 

1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: The most impactful way to make a difference is to show up at City Hall to speak directly to Council at a meeting or public hearing. You can also sign up to speak virtually. We want a steady stream of people all month long!
   1. Tuesday, May 21: 10:30 am or 4:30 pm
   2. Tuesday, June 4: 10:30 am or 4:30 pm
   3. Tuesday June 18: 10:30 am
2.  CALL YOUR COUNCILMEMBERS: Can't make it to a council meeting? Call your city councilmembers instead and leave a voicemail— it's more effective than email. Nelson (citywide) 206-684-8809, Woo (citywide) 206-684-8808, Saka (D1) 206-684-8801, Morales (D2) 206-684-8802, Hollingsworth (D3) 206-684-8803, Rivera (D4) 206-684-8804, Moore D5 206-684-8805, Strauss (D6) 206-684-8806, Kettle (D7) 206-684-8807. 
3. SEND AN EMAIL: Send the City Council a written public comment at cou...@seattle.gov.

GUIDE FOR YOUR COMMENTS TO COUNCIL:

1. Introduce yourself: Your name, where you live, how you get around or other relevant information.
2. I am a voter and I would vote for a $1.7 billion levy that invests more in sidewalks and safety.
3. Personal story about why you care: How would new sidewalks, bike lanes, or faster buses make a difference in your life?
4. Thank you for supporting a transportation levy that will get us to our safety, equity, and climate goals.

Click here for more talking points.

Thank you for your advocacy!!

Be Well,
Clara

--

Clara Cantor

she/her

(206) 681-5526

Community Organizer

Seattle Neighborhood Greenways

Website - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn

[Clara Cantor]

Reminder: Transportation Public Hearing this afternoon at 4:30 pm!

Check here for How-to and talking points. If you are not able to join us in person, please call in virtually or email comments to Cou...@Seattle.gov 

We are pushing for a larger levy that includes more funding for sidewalks and safety.

• Sidewalks: At the current rate of funding, it will take over 200 years before our city is accessible to people with disabilities. Please increase funding for building and repairing sidewalks.
• Safety: 7 people have been killed on Seattle streets in the last 2 weeks. Please increase funding for safety projects, sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic calming, and add language to prioritize safety on freight routes, where all 7 of these people were killed.
• Equity: Please reverse the proposed $15.5M cut to the equity-focused neighborhood projects budget by increasing the total size of the levy.
• Climate: Please increase the overall size of the levy as supported by Seattle voters in order fund more sidewalks and safety projects, so that at least 50% of the levy will fund improvements for people walking, rolling, biking, and taking transit.

Thank you for your advocacy!

Be well,

Clara