AARP celebrates the passage of Measure M on Behalf of LA County Residents of All Ages

 

 

AARP California is proud to celebrate the successful passage of “The Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan”, or Measure M, with residents of all ages across the County’s 88 cities.

While this level of involvement with a local ballot initiative is unprecedented for AARP in California, State Director Nancy McPherson said the level of engagement throughout the campaign was due to Measure M falling directly in line with the organization’s core mission of enhancing the quality of life for all as we age.

“Transportation is a vital link connecting people to their communities,” said AARP California State Director Nancy McPherson. “Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, grassroots efforts and coalition partnerships, we were able to inform and engage the community to help make Measure M a reality.”

In surveys of AARP’s nearly 38 million members nationwide, more than 87% of respondents have said they want to remain in their homes and communities as they age. When asked what would make LA a better place to live, people have told AARP that their top priority is safer, more accessible transportation options.

For the past four months AARP engaged its more than 700,000 LA County members through mail, a robust online presence, which prompted thousands of pledges, a radio and television campaign in English and Spanish, and on-the-ground volunteer events. AARP was part of an unprecedented coalition of elected officials, business, labor, environmental and community groups supporting the Measure.

The sales tax measure, which will fund major highway, public transportation, and local street improvement projects, far surpassed the margin by which its predecessor, Measure R, won in 2008 (58,658 to 28,019). Measure M needed to muster a 66.7% supermajority in order to pass.

AARP looks forward to continuing our partnership and collaboration with Mayor Garcetti and local leaders; Metro Los Angeles board and staff, and the independent oversight committee; and the Measure M community coalition to ensure that the measure’s goals are implemented in an accountable, high-quality, and cost-effective way while ensuring Los Angeles County residents are informed about how their local jurisdiction are planning and executing projects.

AARP’s vision for a 21 ^st-century public transportation system links people of all incomes and zip codes to jobs and essential support and services; offers options for reducing isolation and increasing social connections that keep residents healthy as they age; has streets and sidewalks that are safe for walking, biking and pushing a stroller or a walker; and keeps transit fares low for seniors, students and persons with disabilities.