Seeking an Expert on School Siting

Does anyone have know an expert to provide guidance on public school siting issues as they relate to VMT reduction, healthy communities and safe routes?

Federal Complete Streets Bill

In early May, Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-OH) jointly introduced The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 (HR 1780). The legislation is a bipartisan initiative, implementing policy to ensure the safety and ease of access for all users of the transportation system, by requiring the accommodation of their needs during planning and development. The bill directs all states and MPOs to adhere to a policy that all transportation projects will comply with Complete Streets principles, though the implications of that policy can vary widely depending on the context and is sensitive to local needs. To date, over 200 local jurisdictions and 23 states have adopted Complete Streets policies.

A previous version of Complete Streets legislation was introduced by Rep. Matsui in 2009 and collected 62 cosponsors, but was not taken up in committee. With the addition of Rep. LaTourette as a lead sponsor, the bill continues to build momentum in the 112th Congress.

APA is a member of the steering committee of the Complete Streets Coalition and we have joined a national organization letter of support for this legislation.

We recommend all TPD'ers sign up on the Legislative Action Center to receive action alerts and hep send e-mails to your federal and state representatives:
http://www.planning.org/_offsite/capwiz.htm

Twitter

We've got a new twitter account! Follow the TPD - @APATPD

We'll follow you back!

Transportation’s Economic Impact, a more complete picture

Check out APA's Economic Development Division's blog entry on this subject. The author challenges transportation and economic development professionals to work together to create dynamic, accessible and equitable communities that will provide the foundation for continued national economic success.

Direct link:

http://apaeconomicdevelopment.blogspot.com/2010/03/transportations-economic-impact-more.html

From @RayLaHood

(via Twitter) Got ideas? Read our 2010 preview, let us know what's on your transportation agenda. http://bit.ly/4Yvj9S

GAO Study on State Transportation Planning

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar has asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on state transportation planning. GAO has identified four questions that their report will address:

1. What transportation planning activities are performed by state DOTs?

2. To what extent do state DOTs make use of performance measures in their decision-making and planning processes?

3. What challenges do state DOTs encounter in developing transportation plans?

4. What role does the U.S. Department of Transportation have in overseeing state transportation planning activities, and what opportunities, if any, exist to improve oversight and enhance statewide planning activities?

APA has been invited to offer comments and information to GAO as part of their work. APA will be compiling information and meeting with GAO in early December.

The Transportation Planning Division invites you to provide input on these questions, particularly issues related to the challenges (both for the state and for the MPOs and localities in working with the state) and opportunities to improve state transportation planning.

As always, specific comments are most helpful and we need input by December.

Straw Poll Results

Our straw poll regarding changes to our bylaws is complete. The proposed changes will be voted on at the next Transportation Planning Division business meeting which will be held in Boston during the Rail~Volution conference. The conference is from October 29th through November 1st.

The straw poll indicated strong support for changes. 88 voted in favor; and, 2 voted against. In accordance with our bylaws, these changes must be voted on during a Division business meeting. Thanks to all!