In his role as Chair of Mobility 21, in May CEO Darrell Johnson participated in the Mobility 21 Washington, D.C. Virtual Advocacy Trip. Johnson met with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino), Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), Linda Sánchez (D-Norwalk), Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana), Mike Levin (D-Dana Point) and Julia Brownley (D-Oxnard), as well as the staff of Representative Grace Napolitano (D-El Monte).
During these meetings, the participants discussed several issues, including support for a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill with significant, direct federal funding for infrastructure planning and investment while restoring the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. As part of any package, participants discussed the need to reward agencies that have stepped up and enacted voter-approved sales tax measures dedicated to transportation improvements; support the transition to zero-emission technology through financial incentive programs and policy reform; expand and streamline access to project financing tools; and integrate equitable policies in transportation project planning and delivery. The trip also served as an opportunity to thank the delegation for the delivery of stimulus funding, which has helped support transit operations and project delivery through the pandemic.