City of Rockford Planning & Development Committee met Aug. 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rose called the meeting to order at 7:12 pm.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status |
| Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
| Linda McNeely | City of Rockford | Alderman | Absent |
| Chad Tuneberg | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
| Natavias Ervins | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
A. Region 1 Planning Council (RPC) Update of Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Sydney Turner, Metro Program Manager, and John Paul, Director of Regional Planning reviewed the presentation. Sydney Turner stated the following;
REGION 1 PLANNING COUNCIL (RPC)
Special-purpose, regional government agency designated to coordinate intergovernmental collaboration.
Comprised of the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO), the economic development district, (EDD), geographical information system (WinGIS), and land bank authority (LBA).
Governance platform for local policymakers to convene on and understand the issues affecting the region and their respective jurisdictions.
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Carry out federally mandated transportation planning duties
Coordinates transportation planning initiatives and infrastructure with regional stakeholders
Serves the urbanized areas and forecasted urbanized areas of Boone, Ogle, and Winnebago Counties
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN (MTP)
Ms. Turner stated that the plan was last updated in 2015 and is required to be updated every 5 years to reflect changes in demographics, economic situations as well as changes in federal and state policies.
A blueprint for transportation investment over the next 25-30 years by examining past trends, current conditions, and future needs
Takes a multimodal approach..
o Active transportation
o Airport
o Public Transportation
o Rail
o Roadways
They look at both freight movements & personal travel
Goes beyond transportation...
o Reflects population & socioeconomic characteristics
o Employment & economic vitality
o Land uses & (re)development areas
o Environmental sustainability
Reflects changes in
o Federal & state policies
o Regional & local priorities
Ms. Turner stated that we are currently in the second phase of their public engagement. The first round of engagement was earlier this year, in which they asked individuals what they would like to see as far as their investment priorities into transportation as well as other transportation needs.
ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS
These scenarios are not meant to be either-or-choices. Our future will likely be some combination of each of these scenarios. These scenarios are meant to help us understand how the transportation decisions we make today about how to grow could affect our economy, environment, and community in the future.
The first scenario is Business As Usual - This scenario presents a future in which investments and policies continue the current land use and transportation trends. The population and economy continuing to grow at current rates. The transportation investment primary focus on maintenance of existing transportation facilities and regional asset management over new facilities. Development occurs along outer edge of existing municipal service areas (e.g. fire, water, and waste)
The second scenario is Green Infrastructure - This scenario presents a future in which there is an increased desire for green infrastructure (e.g. permeable pavement, bioswales, etc.) due to environmental considerations nationwide such as climate change.
Multimodal Transportation focus on expanded alternative transportation facilities with increased first and last mile connectivity. Environmental Regulation - restrictions become stricter on a national level in response to extreme weather events and changes in environmental conditions. Alternative Fuel electric charging infrastructure and other alternative fuel sources are available along key corridors and urban cores. Investments in connected/autonomous vehicle technology for transit that is implemented with a robust Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).
The third scenario is Business is Booming - This scenario presents a future in which there is growth of key economic sectors within the region, (i.e. manufacturing sector, healthcare sector, etc.) at a stronger rate in the upcoming years. Market-driven growth for new development outside of existing service areas. There is also increased roadway capacity.
The fourth scenario is Urban Centers & Corridors - This scenario presents a future in which there is increased investment in technological advancements to improve transportation system efficiency and policies that emphasize redevelopment of urban centers and major corridors. The focus of this scenario is mixed use development policies and strategies.
The fifth scenario is Shifting Demographics which presents a future in which the region faces financial hardships due to major shifts in demographics and environment (both locally and statewide). This lead to a decline in tax base, revenues and workforce statewide. There would be a lack of transportation funding.
They are asking the public as well as stakeholders to answer the question, "What does your future of the Rockford Region look like?" There is a survey available online. They are asking individuals along with board members to take the survey. They are distributing the paper surveys at "pop up" events.
Group discussed various aspects at length including how they determined the trends and now they are working with stakeholder groups.
John Paul explained that this component was recommended by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration. He stated that they want the plan to be reflective of the needs of the region as a whole.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Alderman Tuneberg made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Durkee Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
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