This past year has been one of our busiest and most effective yet in helping and partnering with
our members and others to create a city where anybody can safely and efficiently walk, cycle, take public transit, or choose other sustainable and less costly modes of transportation; and have a say, through democratic and transparent processes, in how the city and streets are designed and funded.
Here are some of the highlights:
Produced an informative blog series on our year-long assessment of Omaha’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), receiving good press on our analysis. We’re also pleased to see the City has started to make some improvements to the CIP reporting, but there is still work to do on what information is provided, how citizens are engaged in the process, and where and how transportation funding is being spent in the city.
As part of our Safe Crossings Program, helped bring attention to and get safety improvements at key intersections, including 72 and Dodge and 52 and Radial Highway (check out our video analysis of the intersection here). We also supported neighborhood groups mobilizing to save crossing signals, in particular near Dundee Elementary.
Inspired a good deal of discussion and debate about transportation-related issues in the Omaha Mayoral and City Council races. We asked candidates to answer a questionnaire, and mayoral candidates Heath Mello and Jean Stothert attended member meetings. Vision Zero was a key part of the discussion and we’re happy to see Mayor Stothert’s support for a Vision Zero
Conducted a pilot Transit Ridership Project, with great participation and success, including inspiring other groups to try the same.
Supported projects such as Midtown on the Move and sponsored a visit by Chuck Marohn from Strong Towns.
Hosted and talked with many leaders and changemakers in our community, at Coffee Chats and Member Meetings, including: Crystal Rhoades (Nebraska Public Service Commission), Daniel Lawse (Midtown on the Move), Mary O’Donohue (Midtown Vision 2050), Willie Hamilton (Black Men United), and representatives for Nebraska State Senators Kari Ridder (Sasse) and Dusty Vaughn (Fischer).
Members also continue to be active in the planning of ORBT—Omaha’s Bus Rapid Transit system coming to Dodge Street next year, and providing input into Omaha’s Complete Streets
And we kicked off a new Membership Program! Finally, we can all be official card-carrying members of Mode Shift Omaha. Check out the perks and how to join here. Thanks to everyone who has joined already, including member businesses and organizations.
Let’s make 2018 even better!