wpc annual meeting 2009
DESCRIPTION
A year of accomplishments with the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, with much more to be done.TRANSCRIPT
Report to the Membership and Friends of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition
September 2009
The Willamette Pedestrian Coalition advocates for and empowers the people
of the Portland metropolitan area to create, sustain and enjoy walkable
communities.
We define a walkable community as one in which it is safe, direct and attractive
to walk.
A devoted, engaged, supportive membership
An experienced and active Board of Directors
Talented staff
Partners with shared goals, complementary mission
A receptive community
Responsive leadership
Conducted pedestrian advocacy
Influence of policy and projects at all levels
Membership and community outreach
Effective and on-going operations
Started major program initiatives
Current crosswalk law is dangerous for pedestrians.
This revision would allow crosswalk users to safely signal their intention to cross the street with a hand signal.
The proposed bill received wide support from law enforcement, Elders in Action and the BTA.
Senators Ferrioli, Monroe and Burdick and Representatives Bailey, Buckley, Harker and Shields were sponsors.
Too many legislative distractions this year, but we will return.
April Bertelsen, At Large Director
Todd Borkowitz, At large Director
Mike Dennis, At large Director
Jeanne Harrison, At Large Director
Erin Kelley, Recording Secretary
Anne McLaughlin, Treasurer
Lidwien Rahman, At Large Director
Phil Selinger, President
Katie Urey, Vice President
Caleb Winter, At Large Director
Steph Routh, Director since March 2009Resource Development Coordinator, Green Empowerment
Umbrella Board President
Cycle Wild Board Secretary
Steering Committee of World Carfree Network
Arlie Adkins, Project Manager, Summer/Winter 2009Recent UC Berkeley Master of City Planning graduate
Embarking on PhD studies at PSU
TriMet and Flexcar work experience
Lynn Lindgren-Schreuder, Past Director, Jan 2008 – Feb 2009
$38,736
2010 Baseline Needs
Staff (Director and Project Manager) $36,000
Rent and operating expenses $ 6,000
Communications $ 2,600
Partnerships and memberships $ 6,400
Total $51,000
2010 Baseline Resources
Grants $30,000
Memberships $ 3,200
Donations $ 6,000
Total $39,200
We need your help!
Advocacy
Organization Development
Communications
Getting Around on Foot
Walk Smart Pedestrian Safety Program
Safe Routes to School
Sidewalk gaps, dangerous intersections, can’t get there from here – all will be addressed.
Seeking input from members, neighborhoods, individuals, PACs on priority needs, region-wide.
Will crosscheck with jurisdictions and plans.
To be analyzed, mapped, priorities set and presented, hopefully, by spring 2010.
Will be used to direct attention and funding to pedestrian needs.
Work is in progress. Fill out your survey!
Many pedestrians are unfamiliar with traffic laws that protect them.
Provides on-the-street coaching on being a safe pedestrian and an advocate for pedestrian needs.
Audiences include seniors, employees, new comers and those in need of travel options.
“Walk Smart” classes will be complemented with “WalkAbout” neighborhood tours.
Law enforcement, Elders in Action are partners.
First session is planned for next month.
School-age children need to be safe pedestrians.
The City of Portland has been forced to cut back this popular program.
The WPC will complement other partners in assisting with this important program.
Five WPC-led classes will draw on the Walk Smart curriculum.
Viewed as one-time-only support, though future contract arrangements will be considered.
If 50 members contributed just 2 hours per month…..
We could cover:
2 Sunday Parkways, 3 Farmers Markets, 6 public hearings, 8 community meetings, 2 legal clinics and 1 (long) workshop at Metro!
Each month!!!
If 50 members each signed up 5 friends as new members……
The WPC would grow by 2 ½ times and would have more resources each year!
This would buy over two months of director time. It could also fund pedestrian research and provide supplies for outreach.
If 50 members each pledged to write letters or testify on issues of strategic importance to the WPC mission – once a month……
We would greatly expand our clout and make the BTA look like a coffee clatch (just kidding) !
If 50 members each donated $100 or more above their annual membership…..
The WPC would have at least $5,000 which covers over a month of additional staff time to carry out its mission.
That staff resource is essential to completing “Getting Around on Foot”.
The 117 WPC memberships consist of roughly: Current Board members (10)
Past Board members and founders (7)
Elected officials (4)
Public agency planners and other professionals (14)
Partner advocacy organization staff (6)
This demonstrates that we’re preaching to the choir! The WPC needs to grow and diversify culturally and regionally.
With……
A Strategic Plan to guide us
Talented and experienced staff
A motivated, professional Board of Directors
Strong partnerships that we seek to expand
A commitment to diversify- culturally, regionally
An exciting work program – cornerstone projects
Improved organization processes and tools
A supportive membership – you!
We expect to be busy in the coming year.
Walk along with us!