Advocacy
Ubuntu Green Policy and Advocacy
Ubuntu Green (UG) seeks to create policy systems change at the local, regional, state and federal levels through direct advocacy, empowerment of communities, policy development and implementation.
Ubuntu Green influences policies that aim to do the following for low-income communities and communities of color:
Issues
- Sustainable communities, Green and social justice
- Equitable participation in the Green Collar Economy, including green jobs, technology and infrastructure
- Community-based efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
- Transportation equity with a focus on innovative and robust public transit policy
- Support for complete streets with equity for bike and pedestrian access
- Inclusive smart growth and transit oriented development policies
- Brownfields revitalization and redevelopment
- Attention to the public health implications of the urban environment
Transportation Equity Engagement – Ubuntu Green is partnering with the Coalition on Regional Equity (CORE) to address transportation equity issues in the Sacramento Region. Ubuntu Green President and CEO, Charles L. Mason, Jr. is serving as Chair of the CORE Transportation Equity Workgroup. Ubuntu Green will team with CORE to do targeted outreach, education, visioning and leadership development in traditionally underserved communities. UG will partner with all community stakeholders to develop policy and project priorities.
We are currently voicing deep concerns about proposed Regional Transit service cuts: Regional Transit Letter. In case you missed it, here’s video from KCRA 3 News at the beginning of March, 2010. Riders Plead Against RT Cuts
UG is also joining with strategic partners such as Walk Sacramento, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates to develop strategies to conduct walk and bike audits and advocacy efforts in low-income communities and communities of color
We are supporting and trying to help shape the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Region Blueprint — a bold vision for growth that promotes compact, mixed-use development and more transit choices as an alternative to low density development. Their most recent event, the 5 Year Anniversary, took place April 2, 2010. Visit SACOG’s website for more information
“Ubuntu Green Supports House Bill to Create Livable Communities”
01-25-10
“Ubuntu Green Urges the California Transportation Commission to Fight for Complete Streets”
11-25-09
“Ubuntu Green Applauds Rep. Earl Blumenauer for Creation of Congressional Livable CommunitiesTask Force” 11-2-09
“Ubuntu Green Congratulates Sacramento Rep. Doris Matsui for Joining Congressional Livable Communities Task Force” 11-2-09
Ubuntu Green joins Transportation for America Coalition. 8-3-2009
http://t4america.org/
Ubuntu Green joins National Earth Day Network. 8-5-2009
http://www.earthday.net/earthday2010
Ubuntu Green joins the National Safe Routes to School Partnership. 8-4-2009
http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/about/3302
Charles Mason, Jr., Ubuntu Green Executive Director participating in Regional Food Collaborative, hosted by Valley Vision. 7-23-09
http://www.valleyvision.org/work/priorities/food.html
http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11129/Food%20advocates%20come%20together%20for%20change
“Ubuntu Green Staff participate in 4th Wednesday Urban Design Alliance (UDA) Design Dialogue “Design Challenges in Urban Agriculture.”7-22-09
http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11128/UDA_Design_Dialogue_Community_garden_challenges
“Ubuntu Green Urges CALTRANS Chief to Retain Complete Streets Coordinator” 7-2-09
“Ubuntu Green Applauds Reps. Waxman and Markey for Leadership on Climate Change Bill” 6-30-09
“Ubuntu Green Appeals to Senate President Pro Tem Steinberg to help Restore Transit Funding” 6-12-09
“Ubuntu Green Asks Senator Feinstein to Allow Portion of Transit Capital Funds to be Used for Operating Expenses” 6-10-09
Ubuntu Green supports Healthy Development for Oak Park (HDOP) in their opposition to the planned construction of a McDonald’s restaurant with a double drive-through at 2nd Avenue and Stockton Boulevard in Oak Park.
Transportation is a crucial to ensuring opportunity for all—connecting us to jobs, schools, housing, healthcare, and grocery stores. The next surface transportation authorization is our opportunity to build a stronger, healthier, more inclusive nation.
Transportation for America has just released a sobering study that documents the dangers that pedestrians face on our streets every day. According to the study, in the last 15 years, more than 76,000 Americans have been killed while crossing or walking along a street in their community.
Ubuntu Green has signed on to the letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on the need to strengthen civil rights and environmental justice guidance by the U.S. DOT. Here is the final copy of the letter and accompanying materials. Specifically, here are the commendations and the suggestions we make to Secretary LaHood.
Ubuntu Green is proud to join with a diverse group of stakeholders to pledge our support for the Sacramento Region Food System Charter. The broad support for the Charter reflects a growing recognition that we are all affected by food decisions.
As the 112th Congress takes up the delayed transportation bill, leadership is shifting - and it's unclear who will take responsibility for moving forward the policies we need to achieve a 21st century transportation system for our nation.
December 2, the House passed the Child Nutrition Act, which will greatly increase the number of subsized free meals to students from low-income families and promote healthy eating by requiring more fruits and vegetables in school meals. Ubuntu Green had joined with several hundred local, state and national organizations to urge the passage of this bill.
We're proud to join with a diverse coalition of advocacy groups to petition for greater investment in pedestrian and bicycle access as part of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments’ (SACOG) Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for 2035.
Ubuntu Green is supporting the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy challenge to AAA's call to redirect funding for biking and walking facilities back into the federal highway system. We need to keep funding in place for these cycling and pedestrian trails.
Assembly Bill 537 has been signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger! The bill will improve food access by requiring EBT at farmers markets. Thank you to everyone who helped with the support effort, and congratulations to all who can now have greater access to healthier food.
Ubuntu Green Supports Sacramento City Ordinance to Allow Backyard Chickens.
Ubuntu Green Urges Governor to Sign Bill to Increase EBT Use at Farmer’s Markets.
Ubuntu Green Asks Governor to Sign Legislation to Expand Definition of Transit-Oriented Developments.
Ubuntu Green Wants Governor to Sign Bill that Considers Disadvantaged Communities in Safe Routes to School Application Process.
Ubuntu Green Seeks Governor’s Signature on Legislation to Ensure that Housing Plans Meet Community Needs.
There are several upcoming workshops for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Ubuntu Green encourages all Sacramento area residents to attend a workshop in your community to help inform how money is spent on public transit, bicycle, pedestrian and road improvements.
Read our letter of support for Assembly Bill 537.
Ubuntu Green joins with CORE and other area organizations to provide input to Mayor Kevin Johnson on his proposed “Green Initiative.” Read our letter to Mayor Johnson.
Read our letter in opposition to RT cuts.
We're doing our best, alongside other organizations like CORE, to fight the cuts to Sacramento's Regional Transit.
