Executive Committee Meeting Recap
March 1, 2010

Collected  In TUMF revenues thus far for FY 2009/2010, $9.3 million.

Collected  Since program inception, $517 million in total TUMF revenues.

Anticipated  For release in April, WRCOG’s annual TUMF Program Report for 2009. The report provides details on TUMF revenues and expenditures for the year and since Program inception, and highlights projects completed and underway that are fully or partially funded by TUMF revenues.

Approved  An agreement with the County of Riverside for the Magnolia Grade Separation Project was approved ($648,000 in TUMF funds).

Debuted  A 1-minute long English and Spanish version census video emphasizing the importance for Riverside County residents to complete and return the 2010 Census forms that are being mailed out. The video will be widely distributed to local media, faith-based organizations, chambers, rotaries, non-profits, senior centers, schools and others for viewing. Additionally, Census inserts are being included in the billing cycles for EMWD, WMWD and the Jurupa Community Services District. Census ads are also appearing on a number of electronic billboards in the WRCOG region. (Note: it is estimated that Riverside County stands to lose $250 million over the next ten years if only 1% of every 100 people fails to be counted!! These federal funds are used for infrastructure, schools, senior centers, and a number of other services.) March 2010 is Census Month and WRCOG is working to ensure that all of Riverside County is counted.

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Executive Director’s Column:
Big plan for a big future—
WRCOG’s TUMF Program transcends the current economic slowdown

A slumping housing market. Corporate cut-backs. Pay cuts and furlough days. Rising gas prices. A stock market not for the faint of heart. Emergency economic stimulus packages. Record home foreclosures. The highest unemployment rates seen in years. Last year more people in the United States declared bankruptcy than graduated from college. Make no mistake about it, these are perilous times. Most of us couldn’t wait to see 2009 come to an end. Now, we wait anxiously for things to improve in the short-term, starting with this year.

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2010 Census Riverside County Census Video

Did you know that Riverside County stands to lose $20,000 per person over a 10-year period for each person not counted in the 2010 Census? This is money that would go back to the community to pay for building and improving schools, roads, hospitals, libraries and senior centers. The Western Riverside Council of Governments, in partnership with the County of Riverside, has put together a one-minute video entitled “Census...It matters!” to highlight what’s at stake for Riverside County residents.

Click here to view the English video

Haga clic aquí para ver el vídeo Español

April 1st is the deadline to return your Census Form. Do your part to help Riverside County get the federal funding it deserves!

It’s time for March Madness!!

64 planning issues compete to claim the crown as the “Most Important Regional Issue.” Just for fun, we’ve seeded the 64 issues in 4 brackets. Check it out and see if you agree with our final four prognostication. And the winner is...

Take this survey about Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

WRCOG has received funds to conduct a “first of its kind” study to develop a conceptual transportation plan network for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (or NEVs as they are more commonly known). NEVs are low speed electric vehicles that resemble golf carts; however, they are street legal and have all of the safety features that you would associate with a car. This study is currently underway for the jurisdictions of Riverside, Corona, Norco, and Moreno Valley.

A survey is currently being conducted to identify public awareness and interest for NEVs. Please click on the link below to take a quick 8-question survey.

Click here to take survey