An all-of-the-above strategy
Planning for future growth and ensuring people can move around and into our region with ease instead of being stuck in traffic or having to connect at a different airport to get to or from Austin will help us remain competitive. We believe reducing traffic congestion requires taking an “all-of-the-above” approach, whether that be a road expansion project, transit investments, or micro-mobility. Our transportation system must work in concert in order to allow our residents and employees to truly “live, work, and play” in the Austin region.
Local
Project Connect is a regional plan that includes two light rail lines throughout our most congested and dense corridors, as well as, five new bus rapid transit lines, and nine new park and rides. In 2020, the Chamber Board of Directors voted to endorse the Project Connect Tax Rate election as an essential plan for Austin and an integral component of a regional mobility system. We will work with all partners to ensure Project Connect is a success, and help to educate the public and inform city leaders as Project Connect takes shape.
State
We advocate for project delivery and funding that supports urban congestion relief and enables innovative transportation technologies, as well as, legislation that promotes regional flexibility when planning for congestion relief. We were successful in advocating for full funding for the IH 35 Capital Expressway project in June 2020 and will continue to work with our leadership as the project takes shape.
Federal
We advocate for commonsense funding for all infrastructure including: roads, bridges, and mass transit. Additionally, we will continue to ask that Congress fix the Highway Trust Fund permanently and support the Move America Act to include new, long-term sustainable infrastructure funding based on up-to-date population figures.
Transportation Committee
The Transportation Committee discusses issues related to regional mobility and transportation infrastructure. Chamber members are invited to join the committee with the approval of the vice chair.
