MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ADDRESSES JOB CREATION AND TRANSPORTATION AT TOWN HALL LA

Los Angeles, CA – Friday, September 16, 2011 – The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, will present the address “Transportation in Los Angeles: Creating Jobs, Cultivating Sustainability, and Changing Attitudes,” before Town Hall Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 27th at the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown. The public will join Town Hall Members in asking the Mayor about his efforts to usher TIFIA – the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act – through Congress.
 
When recently speaking of his efforts Villaraigosa said, “As Mayor and Chair of the MTA, I will continue to push Congress and the Administration to provide Los Angeles and cities across the country with the innovative financing tools we need to accelerate construction of transportation projects and create nearly one million jobs nationwide when we need them most.”
 
Since being appointed the 41st mayor of Los Angeles in July 2005, the number of Metro Rapid bus routes has doubled to 26, expanding the Rapid network to a total of 450 miles. In 2006, Los Angeles broke ground on the first phase of the Exposition Line between Downtown Los Angeles and Culver City, which includes service to LA Live, USC and South Los Angeles. In 2011, Los Angeles officials plan to convert 25 miles of existing carpool lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways into high-occupancy toll, aiming to reduce traffic.
 
This appearance marks Villaraigosa's sixth visit to Town Hall. Over the years and in different capacities, Villaraigosa has spoken about racial and ethnic shifts in Los Angeles, the importance of the census for our economic and civic health, how to keep LA working during an economic crisis and the limitless creative capital and potential of our city.
 
Before becoming Mayor, Villaraigosa was an organizer with the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). He also is a past President of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Federation of Government Employees. In 1994, he was elected to the California State Assembly; four years later, his colleagues elected him the first Assembly Speaker from Los Angeles in 25 years. In 2003, he won the 14th District Los Angeles City Council Seat.
 
One of the Top 10 Leadership Forums in the nation, Town Hall Los Angeles advocates for no side, represents no particular ideology, and stands solidly in support of free speech, civility and a belief that knowledge is a priceless commodity. Join us as we ramp-up to our 75th Anniversary, visit www.townhall-la.org.
 
All accredited members of the media are invited to cover this event. RSVPs required to Deborah Weinberg at 213.312.9307 or dweinberg@townhall-la.org. **Please credit Town Hall Los Angeles in your coverage.