Manifesto to Change.gov

I wrote and submitted this letter to the “An American Moment: Your Story” feature on then President-Elect Obama's website on January 8, 2009. I thought I would post it here as a statement of my thoughts on the necessity to use the economic stimulus package as an opportunity to invest in our future, not simply as an exercise in throwing money at the same old problems via the same old "solutions".

President-Elect Obama and VP-Elect Biden,

I have read much in the press about the stimulus plan, which envisions substantial funding for "shovel-ready" projects like roads and bridges, among other areas. What I have seen comparatively little discussion of is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), a critical concept that impacts economic development, climate change, and energy independence.

I strongly encourage you to work with Congress to build into this recovery plan significant funding for mass transit projects such as subways, commuter and high-speed rail projects, and urban light-rail projects. Investments in transit projects, when coupled with land use policies that encourage denser development, can serve as a powerful catalyst for economic activity and urban revitalization. We MUST move away from development policies that prioritize sprawl-inducing, auto-centric land use patterns. Investment in transit and TOD will revive our urban centers by making cities more livable, bringing people back from distant suburbs and removing cars from our overclogged highways. This reduction in automobile use also reduces pollution and our reliance on imported oil. If we could reduce our oil consumption approx. 25%, we could virtually eliminate our imports of oil from foreign energy suppliers in Latin America and the Middle East which are very hostile to American values, including democracy and human rights. So TOD has enormous benefits in many areas of critical national importance. If we truly want to use this recovery package to invest in America's future, I can think of no better way than to take steps such as TOD which reduce auto emissions, oil consumption, and urban sprawl.

I just watched the president-elect's speech at George Mason University on Thurs., Jan. 8, and I have hope that President-Elect Obama and his team are listening to the nation for the best ideas - please do all you can to leverage TOD and invest in America’s future.

Thank you, good luck, and God Bless America,
Glenn Boyce