We need transportation to get us to the places we need to go - our homes, neighborhoods, jobs, and schools.  Transportation has a major affect on our health, our job opportunities, our communities, and the quality of our air.

Unfortunately, the current system isn't designed very well.  It's expensive, unsafe, leads to diseases like heart disease and asthma, and is the cause of one-third of climate change pollution. And it doesn't work for far too many people who don't own and drive cars, including many seniors, kids, low income communities, people of color, and people with disabilities.

By creating multiple options for moving people and goods, we can ensure everyone can use the transportation system while also making our communities healthier and livable.   A robust transit system and a safe and accessible walking and biking system will help all people travel reliably and safely, and support health, cost savings, energy savings, and the climate. 

Shift the Balance has three major focus areas:

• CRC Mega-Highway Expansion:  We are advocating for a more sustainable, affordable alternative to the risky and costly $4 billion I-5 freeway expansion .  
• Long-Term Planning:   CLF advocates for transportation planning for healthy, equitable  communities.  Current projects include engaging on Gresham and Portland’s Transportation System Plan updates and Metro’s Climate Smart Communities planning effort.  For a past project, see our work on Metro's Regional Transportation Plan.
  
• Coalition Building:  The Transportation Health Equity Network is a group of nonprofit partners that work together to support a healthier, more equitable region.

To learn more on how and why to shift the balance on our transportation system, visit our transportation background page.