The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is starting the development of its next long-range transportation plan, Mobilizing Tomorrow. The plan will serve as the federally required long-range transportation plan for the region.

β€œMobilizing Tomorrow affords our region an opportunity. We have the vision and big ideas in place; now, we want to hear from the public about how to make that happen,” said Carlisle Mayor Ruth Randleman, who also chairs the Mobilizing Tomorrow Steering Committee.

A strong regional transportation system is vital to the region’s economy and livability. However, funding for building and maintaining such a transportation system has not kept pace with system needs. Aging infrastructure has placed further strain on the available funding. The region must look for creative solutions to meet these challenges, in order to provide the type of transportation system the region requires. Demographic shifts in the region are also creating changes to the demand for multimodal transportation options; increasing the need for transportation options (walking, biking, transit, etc.).

β€œWe heard a strong message in The Tomorrow Plan public engagement that citizens want a transportation system that makes walking, biking, and public transit as viable as driving,” said Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly, co-chair of The Tomorrow Plan effort.

Residents may share their ideas on the transportation system at three open houses in early March.

  • Tuesday, March 4th – YMCA Healthy Living Center, 12493 University Avenue, Clive – 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday, March 5th – DART Central Station, 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines – 11:30 am
  • Thursday, March 6th – Pleasant Hill City Hall, 5160 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill – 7:30 am

For those unable to participate in one of the public meetings, a survey is available on the MPO website at http://dmampo.org/mobilizing-tomorrow-survey/.

The Des Moines Area MPO provides a regional forum to ensure coordination between the public and local, state, and federal agencies concerning planning issues. The MPO is comprised of approximately twenty local jurisdictions.

For more information, please contact Todd Ashby (tashby@dmampo.org or 515.334.0075) at the Des Moines Area MPO.