A historical challenge faced in rural communities is identifying economically viable solutions for critical infrastructure investments, in particular, transportation and broadband.  The full transportation system - including roads, bridges, public transit, bike lanes, sidewalks for pedestrians – needs to be efficient and functional so our economy and people can thrive.  Don has been a long-time champion of transportation safety measures, transit access and funding solutions. 

 

• Long-Range Transportation Plan - Don has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) since 2008 and served as Chair in 2015. He created consensus among the 31 members of that Board for a landmark 20-year, $35 Billion transportation plan that reduces vehicle miles travelled and improves air quality for 2.3 million people.

• Countywide Transportation Capital Improvement Plan – Don currently serves as Chair of the Yolo County Transportation District.  Through this role he looks forward to the completion of a Countywide Capital Improvement Plan that identifies and prioritizes transportation projects in Yolo County’s four cities and the unincorporated area.  This plan will serve as an asset when seeking new sources of funding for critical transportation projects.

• Winters Pedestrian Bridge – Currently the pedestrian path for residents of Yolo County Housing’s El Rio Villas to travel over Highway 505 and access stores, services and schools in the City of Winters is unsafe and dangerous.  Yolo County partnered with the City of Winters for a joint planning grant to design a safe pedestrian bridge.

• El Rio Villa Bus Stop – Prior to the opening of this new bus stop children and residents waited for their bus in a lawn chair near vehicles traveling at high speeds.  Thanks to a collaboration with Yolo County Housing, Yolo County Transportation District, City of Winters and Yolo County, the residents now have safe access to public transit.  The need for this bus stop improvement at the El Rio Villas housing community was a matter of justice and equity.