How do you fit into the transportation
planning process?
A resident's role in the transportation planning process is important. State and local governments cannot have a true understanding of your community's needs without input from its residents. While transportation officials can get much of the necessary information independently, local input is still a vital part of the process. As a resident, your knowledge of the area is extensive, and your input crucial to the planning process.
The GVMC is federally required to maintain a Public Participation Plan that explains how public comment is sought and incorporated into the planning process. To view this document please click the link below.
View 2010 Approved Public Participation Plan
The transportation planning process is on-going, and can take several years. By being involved in the process you can make sure that transportation planners are aware of your needs and concerns. To get involved in the planning process, you can:
Put your name on the mailing list (click here) to receive updates, meeting invitations, and other information from the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council Transportation Division.
Attend meetings of local transportation boards.
The GVMC Transportation Division generally has two major Committee meetings per month that are open to the public and during which public comment is solicited. Committee meeting agendas and minutes are available by clicking through to their pages below.
Technical Committee (click here) – meets at 9:30 a.m. the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Kent County Road Commission – 1500 Scribner NE Policy Committee (click here) – meets at 9:30 a.m. the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Kent County Road Commission – 1500 Scribner NE
During the development of the Long Range Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program, the GVMC Transportation Division holds a series of public meeting opportunities, and likewise, public comment is encouraged when these two documents are occasionally modified or amended. Also special studies such as the Kent County Transit Needs Assessment Study (link to KCTNA page) often have public meetings and public comment periods associated with them. The best way to remain up to date on public involvement opportunities is to email or call (616) 776-3876 with your contact information, including your full name, mailing address, and email address.
Provide your input on the transportation plans in your region.
The two most important transportation planning documents that the GVMC produces, the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) (link to LRTP webpage) and Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) (link to the TIP webpage), are updated every four years and public input is an important component in their development. Please check the main GVMC webpage or keep an eye out for newsprint postings in the Advance or Grand Rapids Press for LRTP and TIP public meeting opportunities.
Ask a transportation official to attend your neighborhood association, Rotary club, school, agency, or other civic organization and explain the transportation planning process. GVMC staff is always happy to help the public navigate the transportation planning process and help the citizens of Kent and Eastern Ottawa Counties find the information they need to stay informed and active participants in this process. Please feel free to call (616) 776-3876 or email Andrea Dewey, Transportation Planner with any questions or concerns you have.
To be notified of upcoming public
meetings please email
us your contact information. Make sure to include your full name and mailing
address.
