Dec. 18, 2014
What's Inside
In Memoriam
ACT Leadership Academy Applications
Congress Passes Tax Legislation
Board Approves Budget
Holiday Hiatus
Of Note
Job Postings
Join or Renew
Got News?
ACT Patrons

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In Memoriam

Jessica Herrera 1979-2014

 

We are saddened to report that Jessica Herrera lost her battle with a rare form of cancer and passed away Dec. 13. For the past five years, Jessica managed the TDM program at Facebook. (Her obituary in the San Jose Mercury News can be read here.)


"For those who knew Jessica, we were the lucky ones," recalls incoming ACT VP Connie McGee, a long-time friend. "Her warm smile,  evenhandedness, and sense of humor belied the tenacious, smart and innovative person she was. She left a mark at Facebook with the amazing TDM program she helped build and believed in. She made an impact on me, and I know many others, and will forever be a part of us."

 

 

ACT Leadership Academy Applications Due Dec. 29

 

The ACT Executive Committee will select up to 15 individuals from among ACT members who apply to participate in the ACT Leadership Academy class of 2015. The program offers a combination of workshops, conferences, class leadership projects and assignments, teleconferences, online meetings, and web-based events that address challenges, demands, opportunities, and hot topics. Interested? Email ACT Executive Director Mark Wright for an application packet at [email protected]. Application deadline: Dec. 29, 2014.

 

Congress Passes Tax Extension Legislation

 

Legislation Includes Provision to Retroactively Extend Parity for 2014 -
No Impact on 2015

 

The 113th Congress closed on December 16, 2014, but not before the Senate cleared legislation that extends more than fifty tax provisions that expired at the end of 2013. The action Congress has taken retroactively extends these provisions for 2014, but does not extend them into 2015. Included in this legislation is a provision that retroactively extends the transit benefit for 2014. As a result, the transit/vanpool benefit for 2014 will retroactively increase from $130/month to $250/month.

 

The provision will have little impact on commuters, as employees are only able to take advantage of the provision if their employer withheld above the monthly caps. ACT member and transit benefit provider Edenred has provided a primer that explains retroactive transit benefits (PDF).

 

"ACT is disappointed that Congress was unable to come to an agreement that would provide certainty for millions of commuters," said ACT Executive Director Mark Wright. "Retroactive action does nothing to promote transportation options and provides confusion and administrative headaches. However, we appreciate the efforts made at the end of the 113th Congress and are encouraged by the bipartisan action and support that has been taken to date. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and hope to find a solution early in the new Congress."

 

For more information, contact ACT Government Relations Specialist Jason Pavluchuk at [email protected], or 202.285.6414; Twitter: @Jpavllc and @ACTNational.

 

ACT Board Approves 2015 Budget

 

The ACT Board of Directors unanimously approved the 2015 budget on Dec. 15. The $652,410 budget includes funding for an expanded Legislative Summit, phase I of work toward the development of a certification program (pending identification of matching funds), an expanded webinar program, a new magazine (launching Q3), in addition to ACT's regular programs and expenditures. The Board will meet in Washington, D.C., Jan. 12-13, 2015, and will develop a work plan for 2015 building on its budgeted priorities.

 
 

Happy Holidays!

ACT Connections Returns January 8

 

Thank you for the work you have done this year to make better transportation choices a reality for your community. And thank you for sharing your knowledge, your passion, and your dedication by participating in ACT. May 2015 be a year of even greater success.


 

 
Of Note
  • ACT HQ Holiday Schedule: The ACT office will be closed Dec. 24-26, re-opening on Dec. 29.
  • Coming to TRB? Use this handy online resource to help find what you need for the January 2015 Transportation Research Board annual meeting.
  • ACT Member Case Studies Sought: To strengthen ACT staff's ability to tell your story and ensure that legislators, policy makers, and other stakeholders understand your work, we're looking for member case studies that illustrate the real-world work of ACT members. Please send an overview of your program or specific case studies of projects to ACT Government Relations Specialist Jason Pavluchuk at [email protected].
     
  • Find 2014 International Conference Proceedings Online: Visit slideshare.net/ACTnational/presentations. If you were a conference speaker and have not supplied your presentation yet, please contact ACT Membership Director TJ Cantwell at [email protected] or 571.699.3064.
 
Job Postings

Visit the Job Postings page on ACT's website for additional career opportunities. Have jobs to post? Email them to [email protected].

 
Join ACT or Renew Your Membership
If you are not already a member of ACT and want to join, or if you need to renew your membership to take advantage of all the opportunities ahead, contact TJ Cantwell, ACT's membership director, at [email protected] or call 571.699.3064 for more information.
 
Got News?

Help us spread the word about the people, places and things that are happening in the TDM world. Do you have any news or events that you would like included in a future issue of ACT Connections? Send them to Mark Wright, executive director, at [email protected].
 
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