Wisconsin is quickly falling in the rankings of desirable development areas, and the time to act is now. The highly researched economic and social benefits of an integrated, well-funded, regional transportation infrastructure point to commuter-rail and enhanced transit as key solutions to this problem. This has been evidenced time and time again in my work developing resources and systems to promote healthy, sustainable communities across the nation, and it is my hope to translate these best practices from other regions into a successful future for Wisconsin.

First, let me start with a few facts about the transit issues affecting Wisconsin. Although we are experiencing lower gas prices, this past June, transportation cost working families about as much as housing. Gas prices have increased twelve times faster than income rates in Wisconsin between 2000 and 2008, and the drain on the economy, businesses and families is substantial.

When transit options are available, people have greater expendable income and are able to pay more for housing, because they are paying less for transportation. Therefore, property values around areas with fully integrated transit systems increase because of the convenience of not having to rely on an automobile. Additionally, travel efficiency, by modes such as commuter rail, can boost disposable income by 10 to 20 percent.

The lack of a regional transit infrastructure has a definite impact on the perceptions of southeastern Wisconsin. In fact, Moody’s rankings suggest our region is viewed poorly as compared to others nationwide, and continuing to fall (www.Economy.com). In February of 2008, southeastern Wisconsin’s 2006-2008 performance ranked number 214 out of 386, and was projected to be ranked 306 for its 2006-2011 performance. By October of 2008, the updated performance listing for southeastern Wisconsin fell even farther than anticipated to 362 out of 386 for its overall 2006-2011 performance. Lack of mass transit and good inner-city links, and failure to approve rail transit projects were contributing factors in this poor rating.

Milwaukee in particular was ranked below “fair” in a Price Waterhouse Cooper/ULI 2008 Commercial Development Prospect Rating, which gave high ratings to cities that promoted transit-oriented, green and mixed-use and infill development. Southeastern Wisconsin needs transit that can generate private financing, organize development, reduce emissions and fuel cost exposure, attract tourists and occasional riders and operate better in pedestrian environments. Better bus service is vital, but it is not enough and will not solve the region’s problems.

In the next few months, decisions will be made that will shape your region’s future and potential for building wealth. It is imperative that the region come to a consensus in support of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail (KRM). I urge citizens of southeastern Wisconsin to be open-minded about transit and learn from the progress and success other regions have experienced with enhanced transit systems, and I urge the state government to support funding and authorization for the RTA in the biennial budget. Wisconsin can’t afford to wait, and non-action will result in the demise of the region’s transit system.