Tell the Emmet County Board of Commissioners - We Need Public Transit NOW!

For many Emmet County residents, having reliable public transit would be a major benefit for their lives, allowing them to access services and get around our community. Now, the County Board of Commissioners has an opportunity to fund the critical transportation services that our community needs.

The pandemic has impacted our access to healthcare, housing, and the workforce, and having a public transit system will help connect us to these services and drive our local economy forward.

Our county received pandemic relief money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that we can use to create reliable public transit systems. Contact your county Commissioners and county administrator TODAY and tell them to utilize ARPA funds and make our transportation needs a priority.

P.S. Please also plan to attend the Special County Meeting on Transit on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Petoskey Middle School Auditorium (801 Northmen Dr.) and make a 2 minute public comment in support. We expect many speakers against transit to be present. The Commissioners need to see the majority who support public transit! Whether you can attend the meeting or not, please send a message to the Commission.

**Please personalize your letter for maximum impact!**

Public transportation is an urgent need for Emmet County residents. More than a year ago, the Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation presented a “shovel-ready” Emmet County Transportation Authority Proposal to the county Commission. It’s time for the Commission to provide the funding we need to make it a reality.

Please support the comprehensive plan for public transit at the next county Commission meeting. The plan should:

* identify a long-term funding source and plan,
* establish an advisory board that includes key stakeholders, including the Little Traverse Bay Bands and Friendship Center, 
* employ an experienced county transit manager to coordinate services, 
* and integrate transit services with housing and other sectors.

The current lack of transportation in Emmet County deprives residents in many ways. Emmet is one of only two counties in the region that lack a public transit system. We cannot solve the problems our community faces with affordable housing, healthcare, and employment without public transportation. Emmet County residents recognize this need, which is why a survey of residents ranked transportation at the third most pressing issue that county government should tackle when allocating our American Rescue Plan Act funds.

I urge you to support a proposal that puts Emmet County’s best interest at heart and work to pass an actionable plan to create public transit.

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