The goal of any planning process is to develop a plan that meets the needs of the people impacted by that plan – local residents. The planning process involves data and technical analyses that inform decision makers, but the only way to truly know if a plan hits the mark is to ask those affected – YOU.
Throughout the development of Communities in Motion 2040 2.0, COMPASS provided opportunities to stay informed of the planning process and important issues affecting our region, as well as opportunities to share your input and experiences.
Our significant transportation funding shortfall was THE underlying issue as we developed Communities in Motion 2040 2.0. COMPASS spurred conversation on this issue through the Don’t Let the Treasure Valley Fall through the Cracks campaign, which included speakers, radio ads, guest opinion newspaper articles, a two-year social media campaign, and more.
Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 focuses on four transportation system components – roadways, public transportation, bicycle/pedestrian, and freight – and how they work together to form a complete transportation system. COMPASS introduced these components through the Treasure Valley: On the Go! photo contest and calendar, and then furthered the discussion through a year-long social media campaign and hands-on workshops and presentations by regional and national experts.
Much of the planning process – as well as progress toward implementing a plan – occurs behind the scenes. To keep residents up to date, COMPASS conducted a year-long social media campaign on progress toward reaching goals of the existing plan, as well as distributed quarterly emails highlighting planning progress and hosted guest speakers on new issues addressed in Communities in Motion 2040 2.0.
In addition, we held six public comment periods on proposed amendments to Communities in Motion 2040. These amendments provided funding for high priority projects that had been on the “unfunded priority” list in Communities in Motion 2040. We received a total of 1,392 comments – the grand majority in favor of the proposed changes. These changes to Communities in Motion 2040 set the stage for the funded projects and unfunded priorities in Communities in Motion 2040 2.0.
COMPASS solicited feedback on the draft plan from September 21 – October 21 and again from November 5 – 19, 2018, as two additional projects were proposed for funding after the original public comment period ended. COMPASS reviewed and responded to feedback and incorporated changes as appropriate.
The COMPASS Board of Directors received the updated plan for final review, along with all comments and responses, prior to consideration of adoption. The plan was adopted by the COMPASS Board of Directors in December 2018.
COMPASS promoted the opportunity to comment throughout Ada and Canyon Counties via:
In addition, COMPASS held three open houses – in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian – to provide the opportunity for individuals to view materials and ask questions in person and provided comment materials at 21 libraries and other public buildings throughout the Treasure Valley.
81 individuals and organizations reviewed the draft plan and provided feedback during the first public comment period; an additional 75 individuals and organizations provided feedback during the second public comment period.
When asked “do you agree with these unfunded priorities…” this is what you told us:
When asked specifically about the addition of two funded projects during the second comment period, we heard a resounding “yes!”
In addition, most respondents also provided open-ended comments. Review those comments and COMPASS responses:
Webpage updated 7/27/2023