CSRS’ Post

Today we are proud to announce a partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation that will redefine the future of urban living and transportation in Maryland through the exploration of future transit-oriented development. MCDOT is launching this new focus in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, with studies planned along the MARC Penn Line and around light rail and subway stations in the Baltimore region. The Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation have released two Requests for Proposals calling on the development and planning community to study new development at stations along the MARC Penn Line in the Baltimore-Washington corridor and to look for innovative ideas to support investment around light rail and subway stations in the Baltimore region. Transit-Oriented Development has the potential to stimulate economic growth by attracting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to our great state which in turn will lead to increased job opportunities and enhanced prosperity for our residents. The official Requests for Proposals for both studies are available for review here: https://lnkd.in/gQWge6GP. Responses are due by September 12, 2023 for the Penn Line, and September 19, 2023 for Baltimore Region. https://lnkd.in/gBaZUDiz

Awesome news for Queensland as the federal budget earmarked additional funding for 31 dangerous crash sites across Queensland as part of the 2024-25 Black Spot Program. https://lnkd.in/gK7Vs9QC Funding has increased nationally for the program by $40 million and is intended to provide financial support to local and state governments to improve lighting and line marking as well as installation of new measures to protect road users such as traffic lights, separation measures or roundabouts. What we like about this initiative is the proactive approach it will take to community consultation. Black Spot Consultative Panels will work with communities to review nominated upgrades, allocate funding and determine project priority, allowing local road users to have their say. This is a great initiative and one that fits well within Australia’s moves to reduce our road deaths to zero. Learn more about other key initiatives to support the safety of all road users by checking out our Road Safety Roundabout Series. https://lnkd.in/g3jvGUfK

SCRO President Larry Whatmore, MBA, CPA, CMA, addressed the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, underscoring the imperative of increased public transit investment in Scarborough to counter worsening traffic congestion. While acknowledging the anticipated completion of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and the Scarborough subway extension, there are concerns about persistent commuting challenges, especially in light of projected population growth. SCRO urged the committee to recognize the urgency of substantial public transit investments to address current issues and accommodate future population surges. Three key projects were proposed for the Ontario government's financial backing: 1.    Eglinton East Light Rapid Transit Project: Extension of this project, seeking committee support. Although the City of Toronto committed $1.2 billion, the total cost is estimated at $4.6 billion. Collaboration with the federal government for additional funding was encouraged. 2.    Scarborough Busway: The Scarborough Busway as a remedy to the closure of the Scarborough Rapid Transit line and delays in the Scarborough subway extension. With design work expected to conclude by June 2024 and an estimated cost of $72 million, he urged the committee to consider provincial funding for swift implementation. 3.    Sheppard Avenue Transit Extension Project: Proposed connecting the Sheppard subway to McCowan Road, aligning with the Scarborough subway extension. Emphasizing the need for preparation due to projected intensification along Sheppard Avenue, the project is currently in the community consultation phase. Also discussed was SCRO's support for Scarborough Health Network's infrastructure needs, specifically endorsing the Centenary campus -- acknowledging the network's submissions for provincial approval on emergency department upgrades and redevelopment proposals. For a comprehensive review of the entire presentation held on December 12, 2023, before the Standing Committee of Finance and Economic Affairs, along with supplementary advocacy suggestions from SCRO for Scarborough, please visit our website: #AdvocacyProposals #ScarboroughSubway #SheppardAvenueExtension

"Tribes, state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits are working together to plan and complete infrastructure improvements that contribute to Puget Sound ecosystem and salmon recovery. This relationship between the recovery and transportation sectors creates better outcomes for people, salmon, and the environment. Our new video showcases examples of this type of collaboration between the transportation and restoration fields." - Puget Sound Partnership HCSEG executive director, Mendy Harlow, highlights the work our organization is doing for infrastructure improvements AND restoring salmon habitat on the Big Quilcene River. See video for more information below: https://lnkd.in/gDcMXWqm

Important next step in starting work to replace a vital piece of transportation for both Wisconsin and Minnesota.

𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 (𝟵) 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗹𝗱𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲. During the recent City Council meeting, (9) nine public hearings for the first reading of ordinances proposing amendments to various elements of the City of Oldsmar Comprehensive Plan. These elements encompass critical aspects such as Future Land Use, Transportation, Infrastructure, Natural Resources Conservation, Coastal Management, Housing, Recreation, Intergovernmental Coordination, and Capital Improvements. But what exactly is a Comprehensive Plan, and why is it important? A Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap guiding the future growth and development of our city. It's a strategic document that outlines policies, goals, and objectives to address various community needs and challenges. Here is a link to the proposed Comprehensive Plan: https://lnkd.in/eZM2ENKz

Enjoyed my time at The Texas Tribune’s Panel discussion on “The Interconnected Future of San Antonio and Austin.” It’s a very exciting time to be in Central Texas and it was interesting to hear from these economic development leaders on the future of what this “Mega-Region" will look like and the challenges we face. Here are some highlights of the discussion: ▪ Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos and New Braunfels Economic Development groups are aligned and will be partnering on efforts for the betterment of the region and the people in it ▪ Central Texas current population ~5.2M; estimated to increase to 8.3M by 2050 ▪ Hays County & Comal County are in the top 5 fastest growing counties in the US ▪ Top Challenges the region faces: Transportation & Water (others include housing, environmental, energy, workforce and much more) ▪ Great Springs Project doing some incredible work to create a greenway of protected lands between Austin and San Antonio over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone ▪ High speed rail project in Central Texas needs to be seriously considered to alleviate I-35 and more cars on the road #austintx #sanantoniotx #economicdevelopment

District Bridges, based in Washington, D.C., is an SBAN case study awardee who hosted a mobile workshop during the SBAN 2023 Conference. Take a moment to see photos from the day, follow District Bridges' work, and get in-depth details about their anti-displacement strategy in our NEW publication, Keeping Small Businesses in Place: Voices From the Field: ⬇ Download link: https://lnkd.in/grfarZv6 ------ More about the case study focus: District Bridges initiated the first multi-Main Street in the country, using a holistic and relational approach to economic development and small business technical assistance that relies on collaboration across Main Streets to address shared concerns and build a stronger community voice. This case study examines how, in neighborhoods experiencing rapid gentrification, these Main Street programs serve as a frontline defense for legacy businesses by helping them reposition and stabilize to become more competitive in a rapidly changing community. This high-contact approach is critical to the equitable and inclusive development of D.C. neighborhoods. Photography by Allison Shelley

Abel Harding Dear Mr. Harding, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request a board meeting to discuss the allocation of resources and priorities within the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTAFL). I believe it's time to shift the focus more towards enhancing public transit services over an excessive emphasis on road construction. Recognizing the multi-modal responsibilities of JTAFL, including bridge and highway construction as well as varied mass transit services, I commend the agency's efforts. However, I propose that we prioritize public transit due to its numerous benefits for our city: Congestion Relief: A robust public transit network can alleviate traffic congestion by encouraging shared transportation options. Environmental Impact: Emphasizing public transit aligns with environmental sustainability goals and reduces emissions. Equitable Access: Enhanced public transit ensures fair and affordable transportation access for all residents. Economic Boost: A well-connected public transit system can drive economic growth by improving access to key areas. Given the challenging role of JTAFL in serving our expansive city, I believe a strategic shift towards public transit is imperative. I kindly request a board meeting where I can present my perspective and contribute to this important discussion.