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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hey, RTD riders and transit advocates!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Quick but important update before Wednesday's Board meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I've been digging into the newly posted agenda for the May 27 meeting, and I can confirm: the proposed service cuts are not on the agenda for a vote Wednesday night. The Recommended Actions section — which is where a vote on management's proposal would appear — is completely empty. I compared it to prior agendas where actual votes were scheduled, and the difference is clear. When something is being voted on, it shows up there with a full description. Wednesday's agenda has nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>There's a Board Study Session scheduled at 3:00 PM before the 5:30 PM Board meeting. As far as I know, that session is open to the public to attend or listen to, though there's no public comment during study sessions. My best guess is that management will use the study session to present whatever revised proposal they've been working on, and the Board will discuss it — but no vote will happen Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>So what does this mean for us?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>It does not mean we stay silent. Not even close.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Public comment at Wednesday's meeting is still one of the most powerful things we can do right now. Here's why: the Board is clearly still deliberating. The fact that management's proposal isn't on the agenda for a vote suggests the Board hasn't given them the green light yet — which means our voices are landing. Showing up Wednesday and making noise reinforces that message before any decision gets locked in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>It also means the fight isn't over in one night. The vote will likely come at a future meeting — possibly June 23, which is the next regular Board meeting. We'll keep watching the calendar and keep you informed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>For Wednesday, here's what you need to know:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Board Study Session starts at 3:00 PM. This should be public, but there’s not a Zoom link. If it’s private, Jaime Lewis of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition is looking into why and trying to make it public. This is important because that’s where we’re likely to hear whatever management is currently thinking, which could be very useful when formulating your public comment for the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Board Meeting starts at 5:30 PM. Whether you show up in person or attend via Zoom, we still need everyone affected to make public comment. Register for the Zoom meeting at <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x8BY5TdBSH-kLMrJO3zOUg#/registration">https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x8BY5TdBSH-kLMrJO3zOUg#/registration</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>And be sure to submit written comment to <a href="mailto:RTD.Directors@rtd-denver.com">RTD.Directors@rtd-denver.com</a> beforehand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The fact that management's proposal isn't ready for a vote tells us something important: the pressure is working. Let's keep it up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>See you Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Enjoy your long weekend, and remember why most of us have a day off Monday!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cheers,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tim Keenan<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>State Transportation Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Colorado<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>