Our Ten Principles

Generate real long-term economic activity and long-term tax revenue

It is not enough to create only short-term jobs and consumptive efforts - litter pickup, beautification - which are unsustainable operational boosts only.

Fix it first

Before building new roads, that will themselves have to be maintained, we should restore our crumbling highways, bridges and transit systems and protect the investments we have made in existing communities.

Select critically among "shovel-ready" projects

Some shovel-ready projects, like Houston METRO's five new light rail lines will strengthen our region long term. However, many roadway projects in the "pipeline" like the Grand Parkway - which would carve a road through virtually uninhabited and environmentally-sensitive parts of the county - were birthed when gas was less than $1/gallon and will hurt our region. We cannot afford to squander scarce funds on projects of highly-speculative value that will deepen, rather than lessen, dependence on oil.

Reduce our dependence on oil

Reduce dependency on oil to ensure our future security, economic success, and personal as well as planetary health.

Improve the energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas production

of our transportation systems. For example, develop and modernize rail capacity - for both passengers and freight - which improves efficiency while simultaneously improving utilization of existing highway capacity.

Build where the people are now

Focusing on existing activity centers - the economic engines of our country - will reduce "transaction costs" for economic activity.

Make our cities more competitive

Make our cities more competitive in the global market.

Provide access for all

Our transportation system must provide safe and affordable access to jobs and neighborhoods for the 1 in 5 adult Texans who cannot drive. Invest in transit, bike paths, sidewalks, and other transportation alternatives that provide access for all, use energy more efficiently, and save Americans money.

Build livable centers

We must recognize the effect of transportation infrastructure on land use, and make it easier for people to live near where we work, shop, and play.

Increase transparency and project accountability

We must engage neighborhoods in the planning process, and hold transportation agencies accountable for meeting these criteria.