Networking Events

Welcome Reception
Monday, October 27, 6:30 pm–8:00 pm
The 2008 Rail~Volution Bay Area Steering Committee and sponsors invite you to join them for a welcome reception at the newly renovated Ferry Building. Across the street from the conference hotel and located on the famous San Francisco Bay, the Ferry Building is one of the oldest structures in San Francisco. Rail~Volution attendees will be able to relax, talk and view the San Francisco Bay from one of the most popular spots in the Bay Area. Help get Rail~Volution 2008 started in style . . .

National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates Meeting
Tuesday, October 28, 7:00 am
This introductory breakfast gathering is targeted toward advocates, first-time Rail~Volution attendees, and Rail~Volution scholarship recipients.  The National Association of Public Transit Advocates (NAPTA) will meet to discuss communications and advocacy strategies related to the new federal transportation bill to be considered by the new Congress and President in 2009.
For more information, go to www.napta.net.

New Starts Gathering
Tuesday, October 28, 12:00 pm
The New Starts Working Group - a coalition of nearly 60 transit authorities, local government entities, architectural and engineering firms, and rail car manufacturers - invites you to learn more about the coalition, as well as its work on issues that are shaping federal policy. The group has been active on climate change legislation to ensure that the important relationship between transit investments and land use are addressed in bills considered by Congress, as well as in the upcoming authorization of the federal surface transportation bill.

Elected Officials Gathering
Tuesday October 28, 4:30 pm
Does it sometimes seem as if you’re the only elected official in your community who understands that good urban design and transportation options are critically important in creating a healthy and economically vital community? Rest assured, there are other like-minded, forward-thinking elected officials around the country. Join your colleagues for informal discussions and a chance to talk about your successes and challenges in creating great places to live.

Trade Show Reception
Tuesday, October 28, 5:00 pm
Join us for this event and spend time talking with representatives from the country’s leading firms. Throughtout the conference, visit the booths and displays from exhibiting companies.

Community Streetcar Coalition
Wednesday October 29, 7:00 am
The Community Streetcar Coalition is a partnership of cities, transit authorities and architectural and engineering firms that supports the development of the Small Starts Program within the Federal Transit Administration. The coalition invites you to attend its semi-annual meeting to learn more about the coalition and to participate in a discussion about current issues facing streetcar projects, the administration of the program by the Federal Transit Administration and the upcoming federal surface transportation bill.

Transportation and Land Use Coalition Reception
Wednesday, October 29, 5:00 pm Fee: $20
Mingle with conference attendees, as well as advocates and experts from throughout the Bay Area, who are working on transportation choices and pedestrian-friendly communities. Drinks and appetizers will be served at this event located near the hotel conference site. Event host and beneficiary is the Transportation and Land Use Coalition (www.transcoalition.org).

APA Transportation Planning Division Business Meeting and Reception
Wednesday, October 29, 5:30 pm
Join us for TPD's Fall Business Meeting and discussion of division activities. TPD officers and members will report on division activities with the federal transportation bill reauthorization, APA's Legislative/Policy Committee, and APA's Complete Streets Initiative. Then network with transportation planners from around the country at the reception to follow.