Colin Fiske
The Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities (CRTP) is celebrating five years since our founding in 2015. In that time, we’ve accomplished a lot that we’re proud of. We bring a unique, data-driven perspective to local transportation and land use issues, motivated by the urgency of the climate crisis and the bike and pedestrian safety crisis to find the ways that work to reduce driving and increase active transportation and transit use.
And we get results. We have had an impact on numerous local plans and projects, resulting in improvements to bike and pedestrian design that will be felt for decades to come. For example, our advocacy around better pedestrian design in Arcata resulted in the creation of the Arcata Plaza Improvement Task Force, which has recommended that the City Council consider pedestrianizing some of the surrounding streets. And, our engagement in revisions of the Humboldt County zoning code resulted in significant improvements to the new Mixed-Use regulations, which will allow more walkable development in McKinleyville and other local town centers.
We also put an emphasis on public education. Hundreds of local residents read The Collector, our weekly North Coast transportation news roundup. And we reach many more through our presence at local events, on the radio, and in regular publications like this one.
We operate on a tiny budget, and that’s okay with us. We don’t need a lot. But if we’re going to continue our important work and even expand it, we do need to have more reliable revenue than we’ve had in the past. Which is part of the reason we recently opened up our membership to new individuals, businesses and organizations.
To become a member of CRTP, you simply have to make a monthly contribution to support us. The requested contribution is $25/month, but any amount of $5/month or more will make you a member. Once you’re a member, you can be involved at any level you want—anything from just reading our email updates to applying to be on our Board of Directors. We’ll also have occasional member-only meetings to discuss important topics and campaigns, and lots of other opportunities to participate in our work.
To find out more and to join the Coalition, visit transportationpriorities.org/join.