Next Steps on Measure M Implementation

Today, Metro CEO Phil Washington reiterated his commitment to a transparent, equitable, and regional process when it comes to fully implementing Measure M — the game-changing transportation plan Los Angeles County voters passed by more than 71 percent. “We’re investing in our communities,” said Mr. Washington at today’s Metro Board of Directors meeting.

CEO Phil Washington diving into details on new Advisory Council for Measure M guidelines and implementation #JustGrowth pic.twitter.com/Aya9jkYuJv

— Investing in Place (@InvestinPlace) December 1, 2016

Measure M is off to a great start, but the hard work of implementation is just now beginning (for starters, we wrote about 3 key ways we can support implementing Measure M). Colleagues and advocates, take note — we kicked off this movement with our Just Growth Forum earlier this month, and there’s an important role for all of us to continue building a diverse and energetic movement to support transportation investments that strengthens our communities.

Measure M Guidelines

Mr. Washington outlined steps to fully implementing Metro’s Measure M process and projects. These provide opportunities for all of us to get involved:

• Metro will create a Measure M Master Guidance document in the coming months (January to March 2017),
• Metro’s planning department will update its Long Range Transportation Plan from 2009 (staff will present January 2017 on process),
• Metro will administer its Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (committee will be in place by June 2017), and,
• Most importantly, Metro (with the guidance of Metro’s Chief Planning Officer) will form an Advisory Council to review and comment on Measure M draft guidelines (December 2016 – June 2017). The Advisory Council would include “balanced representation” from 24 members divided into 3 groups: transportation consumers, transportation providers, and accountable jurisdictions (8 each).

This month, we passed #MeasureM & held our #JustGrowth forum. Metro CEO is interested in building an Advisory Committee. Who will be in it? pic.twitter.com/sEAXf4zcnW

— Investing in Place (@InvestinPlace) December 1, 2016

Throughout this process, Metro staff will brief the Metro Board of Directors on a quarterly basis, regularly communicate to the public about the progress and status of projects, and present updates at Metro’s newly formed Mayor’s Roundtable forum.

Optimistic but cautious

We’re looking forward to — but cautious — about Metro’s Measure M implementation plan. To fully ensure we’re investing in our communities, we need our historically marginalized communities at the decision-making table from the very beginning and throughout the process to ensure all our families and neighbors will thrive — community groups with constituents who rely on public transit like TRUST South LA, Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE), East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, and Communities for a Better Environment should all be encouraged to participate.

Jacquelyn DuPont Walker asks if low income constituents would be included in Metro Advisory Committee. “Yes” says CEO #JustGrowth pic.twitter.com/KSL1VC9qx3

— Investing in Place (@InvestinPlace) December 1, 2016

Thrilled to have @AARPCA @StephRami8 support #MeasureM Advisory Council. Looking forward to supporting communities of all ages #JustGrowth pic.twitter.com/J6bxpVBGI0

— Investing in Place (@InvestinPlace) December 1, 2016

Moving forward, there’s an important role for us to ensure Measure M’s Guidelines are accountable to every city, stakeholder, community, and the region’s goals.

To join our Just Growth working group, please feel free to sign up here and follow our updates on this issue by following #JustGrowth on social media.