Office of Planning, Environment, & Realty (HEP)
Planning · Environment · Real Estate
So how do you fit into the transportation planning process? Your role in the process is very important. Without your inputyour ideasstate and local governments cannot have a true understanding of your community's needs.
Although some people may think that transportation officials can get all needed information on their own, that is not the case. You may know information that is more current or detailed than is available to transportation professionals. You may also see things differently than transportation officials. This is why it is so important for you to be involved.
The transportation planning process is ongoing, nonstop, and can take many years, so there are several ways to make transportation planners aware of your needs and concerns, and also help develop transportation solutions. To make sure that you are following the latest developments, you can:
Put your name on a mailing list to receive newsletters, updates and other information from the MPOs and State DOTs.
Attend meetings of local transportation boards.
Provide your input on transportation plans.
Volunteer to serve on a citizen focus group or citizens' advisory committee.
Ask a transportation official to attend your rotary clubs, NAACP, Kiwanis clubs, community organizations, schools, and other civic organizations and explain the process.
Find out what specific public involvement opportunities are available in your area by contacting your MPO, State DOT, transit agency, local government, and federal government.
Remember that vision plans, long-range transportation plans, and transportation improvement programs are the key documents that come from transportation planning. These documents are used to build the foundation for individual transportation projects. They are all part of the big transportation picture and are important to your transportation future. Get involved!
