Support a Strong Network of Livable Streets Advocates: Give to Streetsblog

Hardly a day goes by here at Streetsblog without news of another American city getting serious about a new bike-share system, transit boulevard, or highway teardown. Cities are grappling with how to move beyond the 1950s-era, cars-first mentality, and the opportunities for change are palpable.

It’s also unusual to go a day without seeing some news report claiming the latest bus improvement has ruined the neighborhood or blaming high unemployment on bike lanes. Change comes hard, and misinformation is everywhere.

The Streetsblog Network connects advocates to information, helping to build a national coalition for change. But we can’t do it without your help.

Help us raise $25,000 between now and December 31 by making a donation of $50, $100, $250 or more today.

Whether exposing the hypocrisy of politicians who turn away rail money then fritter away billions on unnecessary highways, or making the case for transportation reforms from Virginia to Oregon, the Streetsblog Network is the online nerve center for the national movement for more livable streets.

A one-time or monthly gift will support Streetsblog’s critical work in 2012:

• Build a community of informed advocates: The Streetsblog Network now has blogs in Alaska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Hawaii and almost every state in the country. We keep people connected to the livable streets movement from coast to coast, sharing stories that empower local activists to effect change in their own communities.
• Inform people across the country about key transportation reform issues: Streetsblog Network is currently listed by Klout as the second most influential Twitter account on the subject of transportation, behind only U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
• Elevate the discussion: Where else can you find the best news and commentary from around the livable streets blogosphere, from an explanation of how bicycling can actually extend the life of bridges, to a critique of federal rail regulations, to watchdogging misguided policies that harm America’s downtowns and central cities.

A lot of those media outlets that scapegoat livable streets improvements rely on auto industry advertising to bring you the news. Streetsblog relies on your support. Make a tax-deductible year-end contribution today and help us bring you another year of news and commentary about the developments that shape our neighborhoods, cities, and regions.

Thank you!

Angie Schmitt
Mama Blogger, Streetsblog Network

Ben Fried
Streetsblog Editor-in-Chief

Make a secure one-time or monthly online donation today, or mail a check made to OpenPlans,148 Lafayette St., PH, New York, NY 1001. Streetsblog is produced by OpenPlans, a 501c3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible. If you have questions about donations, please contact Christa Orth at corth@openplans.org or 917-388-9066.