INFO ALERT: I-710 task force approves BizFed motion!

Whew! Following an hours-long meeting that continued well into the night, we're encouraged to report that Metro's I-710 South Corridor Task Force voted overwhelmingly to approve a vision statement that aligns with BizFed goals to equitably, sustainably, and sensibly elevate the mobility of people and goods, while keeping economic empowerment top of mind.

One of two motions voted on last night that shaped the North Star narrative below – and the only motion to pass – was proposed by our very own BizFed Policy Manager Chris Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Sharon Weissman representing the Port of Long Beach.

Their successful motion to amend the staff recommended vision statement by adding the word "users" and keeping the phrase "people and goods" passed on an 18-8 vote, while a motion made by environmental activists to strike out "people and goods" (among other changes) failed.

Thanks to Chris and and Sharon's visionary leadership and strong support from business community members, we were able to fend off the passage of a vision statement that didn't clearly prioritize the movement of people, goods, and users. We want to thank the following BizFed members and industry leaders for raising their voices to ensure the I-710 South Corridor continues to develop as a critical highway, connector, and economic pipeline serving Southern California, the state, and the nation.

Commissioner Sharon Weissman, Port of Long Beach
Lena Kent, BNSF
Michael Leue, Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority
Randy Johnson, Access Services, Inc.
Councilmember Suely Saro, City of Long Beach
Dan Rodman, City of Los Angeles
Martin Reyes, Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis
Luke Klipp, Office of Supervisor Janice Hahn
Matt Schrap, Harbor Trucking Association
Chris Wilson, BizFed
Steve Burger, LA County Department of Public Works
Marisol Barajas, Long Beach Transit
Dr. Genevieve Giuliano, METRANS Transportation Consortium
Roderick Diaz, Metrolink
Thomas Jelenić, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
Kerry Cartwright, Port of Los Angeles
Alison Linder, SCAG
Lupe Valdez, Union Pacific

The I-710 South Corridor Task Force's next meeting will be on Monday, August 8th at 5pm. Look for updates from Chris Wilson and on Twitter.

Proud to keep people, goods, users, and sensible ideas on the move!

Tracy Hernandez
BizFed Founding CEO