Thank you for joining the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston for an evening of discussion, information, and collaboration on how we can turn our vision of Greater Boston into reality! 

Participants had the opportunity to discuss one of four topics, providing input to help shape activities to implement the MetroFuture vision:

• Transportation Finance Reform. Growing budgetary constraints will directly impact every aspect of the state’s transportation infrastructure at a time when people are demanding more choices and affordability, and our existing roads, bridges, and sidewalks require critical maintenance and repair.  Where can new revenue be found and how should it be allocated?  With coordination and focus, MetroFuture’s vision of an efficient and affordable transportation network can progress despite growing financial challenges.  MAPC is in the midst of its Transportation Finance Reform Campaign, and now is the time for residents throughout the region to gather, strategize, and respond to recent developments.  This discussion topic focused on how to tackle transportation funding challenges at the state, regional, and local level.  Click here for more information on this campaign
   
• Green Energy and Job Creation. Green energy initiatives offer exciting prospects to improve environmental sustainability, while simultaneously creating new revenues, cost savings, and jobs.  The MetroFuture plan strives for a Greater Boston that’s not only less dependent on fossil fuels, but a leader in the field of green energy innovation and green jobs.  MAPC launched its Green Energy Campaign at the June 9th MetroFuture event.  There are many exciting programs and initiatives underway that offer paths to advancing MetroFuture’s goals.  These and other green energy strategies are all on the table in what is to be a unique opportunity to share experiences and ideas to shape this campaign. 
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• Local Smart Growth Planning. MetroFuture, through the efforts of thousands of “plan builders,” is a forward-thinking and detailed roadmap for sustainable development in the MAPC region.  It also provides data, analysis, tools, techniques, and other resources that can aid local planning efforts.  With the inception of its Local Smart Growth Planning campaign, MAPC seeks to make the MetroFuture resources available for communities throughout the region.  This working session was an invaluable opportunity to discuss specific strategies for incorporating MetroFuture locally and across municipal boundaries. 
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• Advocacy Tools and Techniques. Advocacy, in all of its forms, is effective when the person or organization you seek to reach hears and understands your message.  Join advocates experienced in the “tools of the trade” for an engaging and informative session on techniques that are typically used to inform and persuade decision-makers.  Learn the craft of developing and communicating talking points, methods for reaching out to elected officials, grass-roots community organizing models and other advocacy tips.  Through practice and examples, this workshop offered an opportunity to learn about how effective strategic advocacy can be. 
  Click here for more information on MetroFuture advocacy