Economic Development Forum Next Week – Program Confirmed

Join us at the Chamber on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 3-4:30 PM for a great Economic Development Forum on the Proposed Gateway Park Development at the base of the east span of the Bay Bridge and a discussion of Alameda County transportation for the 21st century, the 2012 Measure B Reauthorization. Please bring your questions and observations for an engaged discussion.

Gateway Park

Over 10 years ago, the Bay Bridge design team identified a unique opportunity to create a park that would provide a memorable gateway to Oakland at the point where the new bridge touches down in the East Bay. The park would offer an unprecedented way to experience the Bay and the new bridge. Representatives of nine agencies are working to explore the possibilities of a new park for local residents, commuters, businesses, international travelers, environmentalists, boaters, cyclists, and others. Mike Anderson, Assistant General Manager Planning Stewardship, Design and Construction of the East Bay Regional Park District  and Leslie Pritchett, Project Co-Director of the Friends of the Gateway (FOG) will share their take on the project.

Measure B Reauthorization for the 2012 Ballot

Measure B, Alameda County's half-cent transportation sales tax, was originally approved in 1986, which brought revenue into Alameda County and enabled transportation projects to move forward. The funds went to administering timely project and program delivery on capital projects, local transportation, transit operations, and special transportation programs like paratransit. Voters reauthorized the half-cent sales tax in November 2000 to deliver a fresh set of transportation improvements including bicycle and pedestrian safety and transit center development. In 2000, The Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) was created to deliver the new set of authorized projects. In June of 2010, the ACTIA merged with the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency (ACCMA) whose primary responsibility is to coordinate a congestion management program, designed to assist local governments in tackling the complex problem of traffic congestion. The newly formed agency is called the Alameda County Transportation Commission and aims to enhance mobility throughout Alameda County. In November 2012, Measure B will go to the ballot again. Join us as we hear from Alameda’s CTC first top leader, Arthur L. Dao, Executive Director Alameda County Transportation Commission.

Also, mark your calendars for:

à Next month’s Economic Development Forum on December 14^th at 3pm will be both a holiday-themed mixer + educational forum presentation.