Okay folks, the finish line is in sight. The end of the year approaches, and with it, your last chance to make a tax-deductible contribution to Streetsblog NYC.

Streetsblog is a non-profit news source, and we’re relying on a strong base of reader support to help us deliver the latest information and insight about the transition to a more livable city where walking, biking, and transit have their rightful place atop the hierarchy on our streets. Thanks to contributions from more than 150 readers, we’re halfway to our goal of raising $30K by the end of the year.* Please give today and help us continue the high-impact reporting you’ve come to expect from Streetsblog.

You’ve heard from me, from your fellow readers, and from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s Kate Slevin about why giving to Streetsblog is a great investment in the future of the city. The events of the past few weeks have made the case all over again.

The City Council just held a hearing on bike policy where several members appeared more concerned with slowing down progress on street safety than giving New York’s car-free majority better options for getting around. Police and DAs may have new tools at their disposal to protect pedestrians and cyclists, but they still need prodding to keep New Yorkers safe from dangerous driving. A new governor and state legislature will take office next year needing to close a $9 billion state deficit, and the MTA piggy bank is intensely tempting to them; straphangers will have to stay on guard about Albany stealing from transit revenues again.

Streetsblog is the online nerve center connecting New Yorkers who care about these issues to the latest developments in transportation policy. We’re the watchdog holding elected officials and public appointees accountable for their actions. Please give today and join the community of readers who are supporting our work.

Thank you to everyone who’s donated so far. Keep it going, finish strong, and put Streetsblog in position to make a difference for sustainable transportation and safer streets in 2011 and beyond.

For information on corporate giving and sponsorships, or to make a matching donation for this pledge drive, email me at ben [at] streetsblog [dot] org.

*Our overall goal for this fundraising drive is $50K. We’ll be extending it into 2011 (stay tuned for news about our next fundraiser, coming early next year), and we need to hit the $30K goal by December 31 to stay on target.