A Climate Bill to Celebrate?

We have 2 Georgia Senators to thank for ANOTHER historic investment in sustainable, climate-focused opportunities.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s in this weekly advocacy issue!

• Preview of Board of Commissioners meeting tomorrow

• Advocacy Opportunities

• News & Updates

Board of Commissioners Meeting Preview

The next Board of Commissioners meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday August 9th at 9:00 AM. I will be there in attendance and I hope I can be joined by a few others. I know the 9:00AM ones are tough.

Looking at the agenda, here are the highlights I see:

• Item no. 2: A Public Hearing will be conducted to approve contracts exceeding $100,000 on multiple SPLOST projects. These nine projects include mostly road projects, but there are 2 sidewalk projects on the list at Barnes Mill Road and Pete Shaw Road.

• Item no. 17: Approval of the 5-year update to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan

• Item no. 28: Transit Center System Analysis and Needs Assessment Study

• Item no. 29: Purchasing land near Cumberland Mall for a Fire Station

Regarding the Transit Center System Analysis and Needs Assessment study, Cobb is at the very beginning stages of building a new Cumberland Transfer Center, relocating the Marietta Transfer Center, and building a new South Cobb Transfer Center. These three projects are also the only projects in Cobb included in the ATL’s list of 18 projects eligible for state funding. This study is required for Cobb to be eligible and competitive for future federal grants.

Current Advocacy Opportunities

• Tuesday, August 9th @ 9:00AM: Cobb Board of Commissioner’s meeting!

• Wednesday, August 10th @ 7:00PM: Y’all Aboard Virtual Advocacy Discussion (More details here)

• Thursday, August 11th @ 6:00PM: Propel ATL Community Advocates Network (Register Here)

• Thursday, August 18th @ 6:30PM: Austell-Powder Springs Road Public Meeting (More Details)

• Saturday, August 20th @ 10:00AM: A Better Cobb Advocacy Strategy Meeting

• Sunday, August 21st @ 9:00AM: NW Atlanta Ride Along with Root Local (Register Here)

• Tuesday, August 23rd @ 7:00PM: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting

For the entire calendar of city, county, and advocacy meetings, check out the link here: https://www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/calendar.php?crd=cobb4transit

News & Updates

Inflation Reduction Act passes 51-50. Here’s an overview.

Digging into the bill, although it’s not perfect, there are significant increases in potential funding for sustainable transportation projects.

-Neighborhood Access & Equity Grant Program gives $1.9 billion to the FHA for competitive grants that include “to improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access” and $1.2 billion earmarked to specifically economically disadvantaged communities.

-$2.8 billion for environmental and climate justice block grants that includes “investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure” and “climate resiliency and adaptation”.

-$27 billion for direct and indirect investments in qualified projects that reduces or avoids greenhouse gases.

-$5 billion for Greenhouse gas reduction planning.

All of these are in addition to billions available from the IIJA and reiterates the need for the county to be prepared and aggressive in pursuing these grants.

City of Atlanta has asked MARTA to study the possibility of free fares (Planetizen)

Midtown block repurposed from parking to public use (Urbanize Atlanta)

Renderings released for Avenue: East Cobb Revision (Urbanize Atlanta)

Three Cobb Bus Stations On State List For Funding (Yahoo)

NIMBY ALERT: Keep Europe’s War Against Cars Outside of America (Forbes)

Forget returning to the office. The future of cities lies in vibrant public spaces (Fast Company)

Reader Beth submitted: The Insane Cost of Cars (Youtube)

How to get Bike Lanes in Your Town (Streetsblog)

As always, if you see any links or resources I should share, please submit them!