Quite a bit happening, these days. Here’s the scoop:
Regarding the Mayor’s Veto
Mayor Stothert has vetoed the amendment to the budget creating a position dedicated to active transportation in the Public Works Department. This position would help ensure the needs of all people moving about our city are met by providing multimodal expertise in the department that actually designs and builds our streets.
Councilmembers Jerram, Festersen, Gray, and Gernandt voted to pass the original amendment, but we’ll need another vote to override the veto. Contact your city council representative, especially if its Rich Pahls, to let them know that we think Omaha deserves a better transportation system.
Mode Shift Friendraiser and re-Launch
It’s an exciting time to be a citizen moving around in Omaha! There has been a lot going on lately and we’re proud of the direction we’re pushing things. We are ready to reintroduce ourselves (and tell you about our soon to be legit 501(c)3 status!), give you some other updates, and want to meet all of you that have been so supportive lately!
Let’s get together for a little “friend-raiser”; we probably won’t say no to your generous monetary donations either but this is mostly a chance to gather and talk about the future of ModeShift Omaha and how you can get involved! More details to come. Just be there.
Special Filmstreams 2014 Cinemateca Screening: Keep on Rolling: The Fantasy of the Automobile co-sponsored by Mode Shift.
The good people at Filmstreams are once again bringing a great film to Omaha, and the director will be on hand to have a discussion with former City of Omaha Planning Director Steve Jensen about the global and local implications of car culture after the film. September 30 at 7pm. Check out the full 2014 Cinemateca series lineup here.
2014 Bike Ped Count co-organized by Mode Shift
This year’s Bike Ped Count will run from September 9 – 20. The counts are being complete to collect vital data of typical usage of our facilities in the City. The information will be used to help inform decision makers, help identify locations of high use and help secure funding to improve conditions in the years to come. Help is needed. Please consider volunteering.
Citizens Academy co-organized by Mode Shift
Citizens’ Academy for Omaha’s Future is a joint project of Mode Shift Omaha, Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, Douglas County Health Department, and Live Well Omaha. The academy seeks to provide knowledge, skills, and connections that graduates will leverage to advocate for their vision for the community. The outcomes for residents are improved community health, more transportation options, and greater equity. Applications are currently being accepted and are due by 5pm on 9/15.
Harney Street, Market to Midtown Study
The City will soon schedule a Public Information Open House, which will present displays of project scope, timeline, and preliminary design parameters and representative projects. Two dates being considered are Thursday, September 25th and Monday, September 29th from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Location is TBD. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, which is where we’ll post final details.
Active Living Advisory Committee
It’s our understanding that the Mayor’s office is taking applications (resume plus the ALAC Supplemental Form) through September 15, although that information isn’t publicly available anywhere. Please consider applying by sending your materials to the Mayor’s office.
IN the Neighborhood – Iowa/Nebraska Conference
The city of Omaha is helping organize a conference October 11th geared to residents to encourage and empower stronger neighborhoods. The conference, IN the Neighborhood- Iowa/Nebraska, will have keynote speakers and breakout sessions to educate and inspire residents on both sides of the river to make their neighborhoods stronger and empower them to make their community better. ModeShift Omaha will be presenting. Get your tickets here.
Pedal Happy Potluck
Monthly potluck with discussion about bike advocacy. Thursday, September 25, 7 – 9pm at Omaha Bicycle Company.