ASMP February Forums

Posted on January 21, 2010

National experts say Austin suffers from some of the nation’s worst traffic congestion, which will only get worse with the region’s rapid growth. The Austin Strategic Mobility Plan is turning to the public to help establish the city’s transportation priorities. Six forums held throughout the city Feb. 8-11 will offer citizens a chance to express the community’s values and explore how they can shape near-term and long-term investments in our transportation system.

“Whether one uses roads, bikes, sidewalks, or transit, we all have a stake in an efficient, sustainable transportation system,” said Rob Spillar, director of the Austin Transportation Department. “Citizens who use the transportation system are best suited to tell us what they want and need from that system, and these forums are designed to capture those ideas.”

Since last fall, the City has compiled more than 1,200 needed transportation projects identified by citizens, technical experts, city staff and other government agencies. The City will use the citizen criteria gathered at the forums to help identify the highest priority projects to pursue first — with larger projects considered for a future mobility bond election.

“There is no silver bullet to fix all of our transportation problems; we will have to use a variety of tools to manage our mobility needs,” said Spillar. “The more people participate in the forums and share their ideas and values, the more robust our system plan will become.”

Dates and locations of the Mobility Forums:

Reagan High School: Monday, Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m.

7104 Berkman Dr., Austin, TX 78752, (512) 414-2523. Map

Mexican American Cultural Center: Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 8-10 a.m.

600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 478-6222. Map. Sign Language Interpreter available.

Bowie High School: Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 6-8 p.m.

4103 West Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749, (512) 414-5247. Map

One Texas Center: Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 6-8 p.m.

505 Barton Springs Road, Rm. 325, Austin, TX 78704, (512) 476-2315. Map. Sign Language Interpreter available.

Murchison Middle School: Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 6-8 p.m.

3700 North Hills Dr., Austin, TX 78731, (512) 414-3254. Map

Widen Elementary School: Thursday, Feb. 11 from 6-8 p.m.

5605 Nuckols Crossing Road, Austin, TX 78744, (512) 414-2556. Map