Commentary: Measure C needs reworking to better fund safe routes to schools

“Children are our future.” This phrase is a commonly used cliche, but rarely a value that is a cornerstone in public decision making. The current renewal proposal for Measure C on the November ballot is a perfect example of how we are yet again at risk of moving forward with a plan that fails to prioritize the needs of our children and realistically prepare for our future.

Measure C is a ½-cent tax that is used to fund transportation infrastructure in Fresno County. If passed, it is estimated to generate $6.8 billion over the next 30 years. Imagine the opportunities this could create for us to build new infrastructure and public investments for our children and young adults to get to and from school safely.

Unfortunately, the current renewal proposal on November’s ballot fails to do that. Instead, it cuts funding that can be used for public transportation and active transportation investments, including sidewalks and bike lanes. Only 12% of the funding would go toward public transportation and only 1% toward safe routes to schools. This jeopardizes assets that can help our students participate in after-school programs, as well as their safety in walking or biking to and from school.

If you have children in Fresno County or are a student yourself, you are acutely aware that school buses don’t accommodate all travel needs. Daily school busing is only provided to elementary students living more than one mile from their school, or secondary students living more than one and a half miles from their campus. Students who live within those boundaries, whose parents or guardians can’t drive them, will need to walk or bike. In just the past few months, we have had three students hit while trying to get to school or home on their own. Tragically, one of our students recently lost his life after being struck.

Children who participate in after-school programs or sports generally are not bused. This makes it important to support public transit systems that get our students home from after-school enrichment programs and individual tutoring, as well as allowing students to engage in sports.

Once our students graduate, they often need transportation services to get to Fresno City College, Fresno State or other institutions that open doors to their future. Basic investments like sidewalks and bike lanes, which too many of our communities lack, can ensure our children walk and bike safely. These outlets can help build their confidence and leadership as well as support their physical health, which ultimately positively supports their development.

Our students deserve to grow up in a community that places their health and well-being as a highest priority. Public dollars are meant to serve public needs, and the need for investments around our schools is paramount. The good news is that the current version of Measure C does not expire until 2027, so we still have an opportunity to get this right. We can spend the next two years working together as a community to re-imagine Measure C so that it adequately invests in public and active transportation infrastructure.

In the words of Dr. King, “budgets are moral documents.” This November let’s reject this version of Measure C and work together on a new measure that reflects our moral obligation to our children and their future. Vote no on Measure C.

This story was originally published October 19, 2022 at 11:09 AM.