Letters To November 2018 Gubernatorial Candidates
Transit Now Nashville prepared a letter to local and state political candidates, in an effort to receive a response we can share with voters, regarding the candidates position on the topic of multimodal transportation in Middle Tennessee.
Dear [Candidate],
Multimodal transportation options are vital to sustaining economic growth in cities, towns and regions across Tennessee. Incorporating active transportation options, walkability, bicycle lanes and transit into our communities has proven benefits to human health and safety, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development.
There is a high cost to not addressing Tennessee’s transportation challenges:
● Only 20% of Tennessee households are affordable, when transportation costs are factored into living expenses.
● Tennessee ranks 40th in the nation for physical inactivity and 45th for obesity.
● Memphis was ranked the 9th worst US city for pedestrian fatalities.
● Nashville was ranked the 17th worst city for traffic in the US, which will cost drivers $8.4 billion by 2026 if nothing is to change.
● Metro Nashville’s current population of 1.9 million is projected to increase to 2.6 million by 2035, compounding the strain to our infrastructure.
Tennessee’s population growth is the 12th highest in the US.6 As we continue to grow, we have a great opportunity to be proactive in creating solutions. Increasing access to active transportation can help people meet a minimum healthy amount of physical activity.7 Public transportation is also great for economic development, as an average investment of $1 billion over a twenty year period yields a return of $3.7 billion in additional GDP.8 Tennessee could be a national leader in demonstrating how growth can have remarkable outcomes.
Should you become elected to office, what efforts will you make to address the multimodal transportation challenges facing the growing cities, towns and regions in Tennessee? How should the state support cities’ efforts to build competitive transit systems? How will you work towards reducing roadway fatalities, including the increasing number of pedestrian fatalities, in our state?
Please let us know your response by October 17th and if we may share the information with our members. Your response will help voters understand where their prospective leaders stand on these important issues.
Sincerely,
Transit Now Nashville
The Equity Alliance Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee
Greater Nashville Association of Realtors
Labor Union Services
Nashville Civic Design Center
The Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Walk Bike Nashville
