Safer streets for all — join us Tuesday

Hi everyone,

Momentum is building around the call for faster investment in safer streets and quick-build transportation safety improvements in Santa Cruz.

Several councilmembers have expressed interest in the idea of accelerating quick-build safety projects. After this week’s organizing meeting at Abbott Square, the Mayor indicated that he plans to raise the issue during Tuesday’s budget discussion.

So the question is: do we want an extra $50,000 for safer streets, or do we want $1.2 million?

That answer depends almost entirely on how many of us show up Tuesday and what we say. Here's the truth about budget hearings: the most powerful comments won't be technical arguments. They'll be personal stories. Someone saying —

"I was hit on that street." "I don't feel safe letting my kids bike to school." "I avoid that crossing because I don't trust the cars to stop." "This affects my life every single day." "I was almost hit at x intersection."

Even brief comments can make a real difference.

Now we need the community to show up.

The meeting begins at 11:30 am Tuesday, May 26 at Santa Cruz City Hall. Add it to your calendar here: https://calendar.app.google/CraufqQDDoYkYKUL9 

People will have an opportunity to speak either:

• during Oral Communications at 11:30 am

• or during the Budget discussion itself (likely between 11:50 pm and 1:30 pm)

If you can't join us in person or call in, you can also send a personalized email to Council here — the deadline is before 5 pm today, May 25: Safe Streets for All Santa Cruz Action Page

Santa Cruz already has plans for safer streets. What’s needed now is faster implementation.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Reply back or ask us on Instagram.