As gas prices rise, many in the triangle turn to mass transit for an alternative transportation source.  In response to recent increases in ridership CAT is reconfiguring routes.  Some of these updates are possible now, but many need a new source of funding.  There needs to be a half cent sales tax referendum on the November ballot, and it needs to pass if CAT is really going to be able to offer the level of service necessary for the levels of ridership seen when gas prices rise.

Read the News & Observer Articles on ridership climbing with gas prices and CAT's plans to revamp bus routes .  Then take action to support the referendum being on the ballot this November. 

On April 24th Morrisville Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to send a letter to the Wake County Commissioners encouraging them to include a half cent sales tax referendum on the ballot in November to fund the proposed Wake County Transit Plan.  Morrisville Town Council called on the County Commissioners to place the referendum on the ballot swiftly to allow for adequate time for a public education campaign.  Morrisville noted that they look to transit as an investment in the quality of life and economic success of the town.  Morrisville Town Council took a major step in sending this note, and we look forward to other towns sending similar notes to the Wake County Commissioners.  It is believed that Cary and Raleigh Councils may follow suit. 

 Read the Morrisville Letter to the County Commissioners

Wake County has submitted a press release letting people know about a series of public forums they will be holding across Wake County to discuss the proposed Wake County transit plan and its effect on the community.  We'd love to see local citizens at these meetings discussing the plan and asking questions from local officials and business leaders.

Read the press release here.

Why is New York City able to recover from economic turmoil faster than other cities?  And, what is it about New York City that makes it so attractive to both businesses and individuals alike?

According to NYC's Mayor Michael Bloomberg it is the city's ability to look to the future that makes it such a desirable place to work and live.  The city invests in the quality of life for its citizens including schools, transit, entertainment, and affordable housing.  This investment makes New York an attractive option for businesses now and into the future.  The city also encourages an innovative and diverse economy that allows the city to remain strong when certain industries are suffering.

Wake County needs to follow New York's lead and invest in the future today.

Read and listen to Mayor Bloomberg's speech here.

NC Bike Summit fosters relationships between various groups in the state that are interested in bicycling as a valid form of transportation.  This event is a great opportunity to learn about innovative programs that encourage cycling and network with other individuals invested in the cause.  The NC Bike Summit will be October 12-13, 2012. Learn more about the summit here.

Currently the NC Bike Summit staff is putting together their program for the event. If you would be interested in presenting at the summit respond to the call for proposals by April 13, 2012.  Read the Call for Proposals here.

WakeUP Wake County, Environmental Defense Fund and American Rivers submitted comments on Raleigh's Water Utility Transition Advisory Taskforce (WUTAT) final report to the Raleigh City Council this week.  WakeUP supports WUTAT's guiding principles for water utility management because they will put Raleigh and Eastern Wake water and sewer systems on a path towards sustainability, but we also encourage WUTAT to recommend more immediate actions concerning water efficiency and management and ask that a deeper look be taken at using stormwater and wastewater for reuse.

We are pleased that this week, the Raleigh City Council adopted all of WUTAT's recommendations.

Read the WUTAT's final report here.  The recommendations of WakeUP, EDF, and American Rivers can also be found here.

The City of Raleigh released the 2nd draft of the Unified Development Ordinance in January. WakeUP Wake County's UDO team submitted comments and gave a public statement at the well-attended UDO public hearing on February 21st.  Following the public hearing, the draft UDO will be reviewed by the Planning Commission, which return its recommendations back to Raleigh City Council no later than early June. To view WakeUP's summary comments click here. WakeUP's complete comments can be found here.

WakeUP Wake County's 2012 Annual Meeting was held January 30th. The event was a huge success with over 180 people and many elected officials in attendance (ranging from city councilors to county commissioners to members of the NC General Assembly). Raleigh's Chief Planning Officer and the President of the American Planning Association, Mitchell Silver, gave the keynote presentation on "Changing Demographics in the Triangle: Looking to the Future," which was warmly received with a standing ovation. Other business included an overview of WakeUP's 2011 activities and presentations of Leadership Awards.

WAKEUP WAKE COUNTY RECEIVES GRANT AWARDS FROM LOCAL FOUNDATIONS

Three prominent North Carolina-based foundations have awarded grants to WakeUP Wake County for its 2012 work advancing public transit, effective land use planning, and clean drinking water. WakeUP is very pleased to be receiving $25,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, $15,000 from the Triangle Community Foundation, and $20,000 from the Raleigh-based Beehive Collective.