AMATS | Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study | Planning for Greater Akron

AMATS and The Civic Commons are teaming up to give the public a greater voice in the transportation planning process. AMATS has received 11 applications for its Connecting Communities Planning Grant and wants to give the public a chance to review the applications and vote on which proposals they think deserve to be funded.

“We felt that the time was right to tap into the opportunities available through today’s social media to give people a chance to be active participants in the selection process rather than learn about decisions well after they’ve been made,” AMATS Mobility Planner Heather Davis Reidl comments.

The Connecting Communities Planning Grant funds planning studies that focus on promoting more transportation choices, enhancing economic competitiveness and supporting existing neighborhoods. Communities across Portage and Summit counties applied for program funding. The public can access the grant applications and vote by visiting http://theciviccommons.com/issues/amats.

“We’re inviting people to view the proposals and then vote on the two that they think are the most worthy,” Davis Reidl continues, “We’re striving for a more proactive approach to planning.”

Vote tallies will be relayed to AMATS for consideration. The agency’s Policy Committee is expected to select grant recipients during its Dec. 7 meeting.

“We want people to vote for the proposals that they feel exemplify good planning practices. Their votes will help the Policy Committee make an informed decision,” Davis Reidl adds.

For additional information, please call 330-375-2436 or send an email to hreidl@akronohio.gov.

AMATS will open its 2011 Annual Meeting at 8:30 a.m., Oct. 21 at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls.      

As the agency responsible for regional transportation planning in the Greater Akron area, AMATS plays a pivotal role in how federal funds are used in Northeast Ohio. With funds becoming increasingly scarce at all levels of government, new, innovative approaches to planning by communities and regions are becoming the new reality.      

With this year’s meeting, AMATS hopes to foster a dialogue as to what cooperation means in Northeast Ohio. The Civic Commons - a new regional, non-profit civic organization that strives to bring citizens and communities together through events, social media and other emerging technologies – will be a key participant during this year’s meeting. The Civic Commons will encourage attendees to share their experiences and insights regarding interagency and institutional collaboration during the day’s activities.      

“The Civic Commons is building an engagement utility to serve leaders, community institutions and the growing desire of citizens to be engaged and empowered on key decisions,” AMATS Director Jason Segedy explains.   

Ryan

Congressman Tim Ryan (D-17) will be among this year’s featured speakers.  Originally elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, Ryan is serving his fifth term in Congress.  He is a member of the House Budget Committee and a co-chairman of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus.   

Clyde

State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-68) will also address the meeting. Clyde is a member of the Ohio House of Representatives’ Finance & Appropriations, State Government & Elections and Agricultural & Natural Resources committees.    

To view the agenda for AMATS’ 2011 Annual Meeting, please click here.

For additional information about AMATS’ 2011 Annual Meeting, please call 330-375-2436 or send an email to amats@akronohio.gov.