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!