NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY

Transcription

1 TO: NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY Community Advisory Council M E M O R A N D U M Linda Barley, Flats Forward Board of Directors James Clements, Director, Catholic Charities Community Services Barb Clint, Director of Community Health & Advocacy, YMCA Carrie Dotson, Executive Director, Lifeline, Inc. Joyce M. Giles, Superintendent, Medina County Home John Habat, President/CEO, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity William Harper, Executive Director, United Way of Greater Lorain County Donaldson Hill, Chair, GCRTA Citizens Advisory Board Dorivette Nolan, Director of Policy, Planning & Educational Initiatives, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Leo Serrano, Educator of Institutional Advancement, Cleveland Public Schools Tracy Strobel, Deputy Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library William Tarter, Jr., Policy Planning Associate and Community Advocacy, Center for Community Solutions Mary Warren, Program and Nominating Chair, League of Women Voters Frank Whitfield, President/CEO, Lorain County Urban League FROM: Bill Harper, Chair DATE: September 15, 2017 RE: Community Advisory Council Friday, September 22, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to noon NOACA Offices 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio I look forward to seeing you on Friday, September 22 nd at 10:30 a.m. at the NOACA offices.

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3 NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY Friday, September 22, 2017, 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. NOACA Offices 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL Page 1. Minutes of June 2, 2017 Meeting (5 minutes) Public Comments on Current Agenda Items Oral 3. Chair s/executive Director s Report (10 minutes) 4. Action Items 5. Presentation/Discussion Items a. Legislative Advocacy Proposals (30 minutes) 5-1 b. Air Quality Public Outreach (20 minutes) 5-9 c. Transit Oriented Development Public Outreach (20 minutes) Reports/Updates 7. Old Business 8. New Business 9. Adjourn Next Regular Meeting: Friday, December 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. NOACA Offices, 1299 Superior Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio

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5 Agenda Item No. 1 MINUTES

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7 Community Advisory Council Meeting June 2, 2017 NOACA Offices 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio Present: Please see the attached attendance record. Ms. Grace Gallucci convened the Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting at 10:49 a.m. Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Mr. Lee Serrano to approve the minutes of the CAC meeting held on March 3, The motion was seconded by Ms. Linda Barley. The minutes were approved by voice vote without a quorum being present. Public Comments No public comments were made at this meeting. Executive Director s Report Ms. Grace Gallucci invited CAC members to the NOACA Annual Meeting that will be held at the Global Center for Health Innovation on September 8, She mentioned that the event is free to CAC members. She noted that anyone interested in attending the event will need to register at noaca.org. ACTION ITEMS No items were presented at this meeting. PRESENTATION / DISCUSSION ITEMS Gohio Commute - NOACA s New Trip Planning and Rideshare Platform Ms. Beverly Burtzlaff reviewed the Gohio Commute program. She stated that the platform combines trip planning and ride matching features into one convenient tool that incentivizes smart commutes. She noted that Gohio Commute provides interactive maps that show routes and allow users to find carpool, vanpool, and bike pool matches; and provides clear data on the costs and benefits of various modes of travel for each trip for smarter decisions. Ms. Burtzlaff demonstrated how to use the online software and discussed the advantages the platform has over Google Maps. She stated that Gohio Commute will enable employers to create subsites that can be used to encourage alternative commutes. She noted that staff will continue to improve the platform and market Gohio Commute as part of a broader strategy of public outreach and education. Ms. Burtzlaff mentioned that 7586c 1-1

8 Enterprise will be setting up a vanpool program in Northeast Ohio and NOACA staff will be incorporating the routes into the Gohio Commute platform. Ms. Burtzlaff mentioned that staff is currently working on NOACA s 2017 Commuter Choice Awards in partnership with Sustainable Cleveland and Cleveland 2030 District. She noted that Gohio Commute can be used by participants to log their trips. Mr. Clements asked Ms. Burtzlaff to talk about the security features of the program. Ms. Burtzlaff referenced Uber and Lyft and talked about how people are feeling more comfortable commuting with strangers now than they did in the past. She noted that people who have security concerns could participate in the program through one of the Gohio Commute networks. Mr. Clements asked if there was a way to screen people who provide the rides. Ms. Burtzlaff said no. She stated that the main purpose of the program is to provide options to users. Ms. Mary Warren asked if a cost comparison has been done between Gohio Commute and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA). Ms. Burtzlaff discussed the cost savings to people who use the Gohio Commute website. She stated that the platform does not include the cost savings for transit because of the pricing variations between transit agencies. Mr. Habat asked if there is a disclaimer of liability for the program. Ms. Burtzlaff said yes and noted that there is also a harmless clause included in the terms and conditions so partnering agencies are not held liable. Mr. Habat asked if the savings to users is based on gross pay or net pay. Ms. Burtzlaff said she did not have that information on hand, but offered to provide Mr. Habat that information after the meeting. Mr. Harper asked Ms. Burtzlaff if she was available to give the Gohio Commute presentation to colleges and businesses in Lorain County. Ms. Burtzlaff said yes and asked Mr. Harper if he could arrange for her to talk to a representative at Lorain County Community College. Mr. Harper said yes. Mr. Harper asked if there were plans to develop an app for the website. Ms. Burtzlaff said no, but noted that the website is mobile friendly and there is an app called RideAmigos Tracker that can be paired with the Gohio Commute website so users can track their own commute. Mr. Harper offered to give away a prize(s) to members who carpool to the next CAC meeting. Ms. Burtzlaff stated that one of the objectives of the new program is to get people to think about their commuting choices. Mr. Clements asked what the results would be if a person commuted from Cleveland to Middlefield in Geauga County. Ms. Burtzlaff said options would be limited for people in rural areas since the results would not include public transit. She noted that as the 7586c 1-2

9 program grows over time, there will be more options available in rural areas such as vanpools. Ms. Gallucci asked Ms. Burtzlaff to provide commuting examples in a rural area when giving the presentation in the future, so people know that the program is not meant solely for urban areas. Mr. Harper commented that people in rural areas who participate in the Gohio Commute program would have significant savings because of their long commutes. Mr. Clements mentioned that Gohio Commute might be an economical option for the Amish community. Ms. Burtzlaff stated that she will contact Mr. Clements to discuss reaching out to the Amish community. Mr. Serrano asked if information on OhioRideshare users can be imported into the Gohio Commute platform. Ms. Burtzlaff said the transfer had already been done. Mr. Serrano asked if NOACA is planning to promote the new program. Ms. Gallucci stated that NOACA is planning to hire a consultant to develop a strategy to market the educational component of the Air Quality Program. Ms. Burtzlaff mentioned that staff has spoken with ODOT representatives about updating the highway signs, as well. Ms. Barley stated that if NOACA staff can create a sheet that explains how to use the Gohio Commute website, she could have that information entered into the computer system at MetroHealth for employees to see. Ms. Burtzlaff said she would provide Ms. Barley with some flyers. Ms. Barley suggested that NOACA staff share the Gohio Commute information with Downtown Cleveland Alliance and the Downtown Cleveland Residents Association, as well. Ms. Warner suggested providing the local colleges with flyers, as well. Mr. Serrano asked if the cost structure of the program is determined by the people who use it. Ms. Burtzlaff said yes. Moving Forward Ohio Encouraging Employment by Supporting Access to Transportation by the Fund for Our Economic Future Ms. Carol Caruso, President of Caruso Public Affairs and Consultant to the Fund for Our Economic Future (the Fund), presented information on worker mobility and public transit issues in the region. Ms. Caruso stated that the public policy work done by herself and the Fund initially focused on four areas: 1) The level of understanding and support for the issues; 2) The state fiscal situation to identify potential funding options; 3) Worker mobility and creative solutions for public transit service; and 4) The business community s current capacity and support for leading a legislative/public initiative. Ms. Caruso stated that few legislators have a good understanding of the issues and generally view public transit as a local/federal matter. Ms. Caruso mentioned that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recognized the state funding gap in 2015, however, not much has changed since that time. She mentioned that Senate Bill 315, which was passed in 2016, provided $8.8 million in 7586c 1-3

10 supplemental funding. However, the transit systems in the region need over a billion dollars. Ms. Caruso talked about the state funding options identified during her research, such as public-private partnerships, social impact bonds, increase in state sales tax with dedicated funding for public transit, an earmark portion of the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax to issue debt for public transit, and Ohio s State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). Ms. Caruso stated that efforts need to be made to address the fiscal challenges in Ohio; change how transit services are delivered; and look beyond the current General Assembly and Administration for a solution to the issues. Ms. Caruso stated that finding a solution to the job access and worker mobility issues is imperative for the region s economy. She noted that economic messages must resonate with legislators and elected officials. Investments in public transit must be viewed through the lens of worker mobility and connecting people to jobs. Ms. Caruso stated that any solution chosen to solve the worker mobility and public transit issues must appeal to urban and rural legislators. She pointed out that 27 Ohio counties currently have no public transit system, yet the Ohio General Assembly is dominated by rural legislators. Ms. Caruso discussed the broad coalition needed amongst MPOs, national organizations, community groups, and public transit agencies to advocate for policy changes. Ms. Caruso stated that the following steps should be taken to change public policy: Work with business organizations Work with other organizations to develop broad support Define messages and develop a focused strategy for change Educate legislators and opinion leaders Ms. Barley commented on the importance of understanding why elected officials in rural areas are so resistant to public transit. She noted that it may be helpful to frame the message so elected officials understand public transit might be a way to bring money back to rural communities so local businesses can become more economically viable and the small rural towns can be revitalized. Ms. Caruso agreed with Ms. Barley s comments and discussed the importance of spreading the message across urban and rural lines. Ms. Barb Clint commented on the alignment of worker mobility between the neediest low income population and young people choosing not to own cars. Ms. Caruso mentioned that millennials want to be free of cars and are looking to live in cities that have a great public transit system. Old Business No old business was discussed at this meeting. 7586c 1-4

11 New Business Ms. Clint announced that Mr. Brian Payne, Founder of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, is scheduled to speak at the City Club on July 28, Ms. Clint offered to give a presentation at the next CAC meeting on center lane bike facilities as a transportation typology. Ms. Warren announced that Ms. Gallucci will be participating in a panel discussion on public transportation at the Lakewood Public Library on June 14, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Warren distributed flyers of the event to members. Ms. Warren announced that the Fair Districts = Fair Elections Coalition is looking to collect 300,000 signatures to have a petition put on the November ballot. Ms. Warren noted that the initiative will help to educate legislative leaders. She stated that the Attorney General has approved the language of the petition and booklets will be available soon. Mr. Harper asked the deadline to collect signatures. Ms. Warren said July 5, Ms. Gallucci asked Ms. Warren where CAC members can find the language in the petition. Ms. Warren stated that the petition is not yet available, but will be soon. Adjournment The CAC meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m. 7586c 1-5

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13 2017 Community Advisory Council Attendance Record MEETING DATES 3/3/17 6/2/17 9/1/17 12/1/17 Linda Barley Flats Forward Board of Directors X X Courtney Clarke - Cuyahoga Community College James Clements - Catholic Charities Community Services X X X Barb Clint - YMCA X X Carrie Dotson - Lifeline, Inc. X Joyce M. Giles Medina County Home John Habat Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity William Harper - United Way of Greater Lorain County X X X X Donaldson Hill - GCRTA Citizens Advisory Board Dorivette Nolan Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Leo Serrano - Cleveland Public Schools X X Tracy Strobel - Cuyahoga County Public Library William Tarter, Jr. Center for Community Solutions Mary Warren - League of Women Voters X X Frank Whitfield - Lorain County Urban League X TOTAL MEMBERS ATTEND: 10 7 X=Member present A=Alternate 1-7

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15 Agenda Item No. 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS

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17 Agenda Item No. 3 CHAIR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S REPORT

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19 Agenda Item No. 4 ACTION ITEMS

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21 Agenda Item No. 5 PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

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23 NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: NOACA Community Advisory Council Grace Gallucci, Executive Director DATE: September 15, 2017 RE: Legislative Advocacy Proposals ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only. BACKGROUND/INFORMATION The Community Advisory Council is requested to advise NOACA staff on the viability of several legislative advocacy initiatives developed by consultants to support objectives of the NOACA Legislative Agenda. The NOACA Board approves a legislative agenda each year that sets the priorities in consideration of state and federal legislation and policy to be consistent with NOACA strategic vision and goals. NOACA legislative consultants have developed several recommendations for advocacy plans that would support objectives in the NOACA Legislative Agenda and the broader strategic priorities of the Agency. The Legislative Consultants had been tasked with identifying specific outcomes consistent with the goals of the legislative agenda that would be beneficial to the NOACA region, and subsequently devise plans to achieve these outcomes. The Community Advisory Council is asked to review and consider the legislative advocacy proposals to determine those which would be viable and potentially actionable by community advocate leaders and stakeholders interests in the NOACA region. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact at this time. CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS Input from the Council will be used to help inform the External Affairs Committee and the NOACA Board on its legislative efforts. GG/mh/7587c 5-1

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25 ederal Proposals to be Vetted Federal Proposals Increase Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) and Transportation Alternatives (TA) Suballocations to NE Ohio Legislative Agenda: Local Control PROPOSALS TO BE VETTED Proposed Tactics Proposed Tactics NOACA should seek to include in any Federal infrastructure initiative a provision to increase sub-allocated funds from the STBG and the TA programs to urban areas served by MPOs that have asset management plans in place. We recommend NOACA identify groups willing to support NOACA s efforts to increase these sub-allocations, as well as those that may oppose such efforts. SPB will help NOACA gauge and build support among such organizations, such as the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO); National Association of Regional Councils (NARC); National League of Cities (NLC); and U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). SPB would draft legislative language to amend Section 133(d) and Section 213(c)(1) of title 23, USC, to include not only a greater suballocation percentage but also criteria targeted to NOACA s priorities. We would provide the language to Senator Brown and Representative Fudge and work with them to get it included in the original text of the expected comprehensive infrastructure bill or added as an amendment. These two congressional offices have specifically requested NOACA s proposals for a large infrastructure package. SPB would facilitate meetings with the congressional delegation and key Senate and House Committee members to make the case for including NOACA s language in the infrastructure package

26 Increase Financing Opportunities for High- Priority Projects in NE Ohio Legislative Agenda: Local Control, Asset Management President Trump s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget request proposes increasing funding for and expanding eligibility for the TIFIA Program and lifting the cap and expanding eligibility for highway and surface freight Private Activity Bonds (PABs); NOACA should consider advancing legislative language for TIFIA and PABs giving priority eligibility, expedited review, and/or lower project thresholds to the types of projects favored by NOACA. SPB would work with NOACA to determine projects of high priority to Northeast Ohio and the hurdles facing those projects. SPB would draft legislative criteria giving priority to projects favored by NOACA and/or language to ease regulatory burdens. For example, if the cost of a high-priority, small project is below the generally-required $50 million TIFIA threshold, we would advocate decreasing the threshold for that project type. If TIFIA s application process is delaying a high-priority project, SPB would draft language to simplify the process. Increase Opportunities for NE Ohio Freight Projects in to Receive TIGER Funding Legislative Agenda: Multimodalism The TIGER program provides discretionary grants for a wide range of projects. Even though the President s FY 2018 Budget proposed eliminating TIGER, the program enjoys broad bipartisan support in Congress. The announcement from DOT to release the $500 million appropriated in FY 2017 occurred two weeks ago. We also anticipate that Congress will fund TIGER in FY The annual appropriations language for TIGER could be shaped to address projects of high priority to NOACA. NOACA should consider whether to propose adding a freight project set-aside, or minimum funding amount for freight projects with certain characteristics favorable to NOACA. SPB would draft legislative language and coordinate with key Members of Congress, including the Northeast Ohio congressional delegation and Appropriations Committee Members Representatives Marcy Kaptur and David Joyce. SPB understands that, while NOACA is not a project generator, NOACA may wish to set up a centralized discretionary grant development process, to develop a strong pipeline of projects in Northeast Ohio and help project sponsors maximize their opportunities for success under key Federal discretionary grant programs. Increase Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Funding to NE Ohio Legislative Agenda: Sustainability NOACA should consider including legislative language giving priority for CMAQ Program funding to projects of high priority to Northeast Ohio. SPB would work with NOACA to determine distinguishing factors favoring NOACA s priorities. SPB would draft legislative language to amend Section 149 of title 23, USC, and provide it to Senator Brown and Representative Fudge to include in the infrastructure package. We suggest combining it with the language increasing the STBG and TA suballocations. SPB would work with other Members of the Congressional delegation and other pertinent Members of Congress to increase support

27 Secure funding for a NE Ohio Project Under the Discretionary INFRA Grant Program Legislative Agenda: Multimodalism, Asset Management INFRA funding is specifically focused on freight movement. NOACA submitted two INFRA grant applications for FY 2017 Irishtown Bend and Cleveland Flats. For FY 2017, $850 million was authorized, and applications are currently being considered by the Office of the Secretary of Transportation. The program is authorized at $900 million for FY 2018 in the FAST Act. US DOT will announce the award of 2017 INFRA grants in mid- July. The grant amounts will not reach the total $850 million provided for the program. The unallocated 2017 funding will be included with the 2018 INFRA grant funding in a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in late July. That NOFA will include a requirement to submit a pre-application, to ensure that projects are actually ready to proceed if granted funding. NOACA submitted strong applications for two projects for FY 2017 funding. However, given the change in political leadership, the factors under which NOACA applied for a grant are likely not in full alignment with the factors under which the current Administration will award INFRA grants in July. In event that Irishtown Bend and/or Cleveland Flats is not chosen to receive funds for FY 2017, SPB would work with NOACA and US DOT to enhance application/s for resubmission, build further support for the project among regional stakeholders, and secure letters of support for the projects from the Congressional delegation. Pursue Federal grants for NOACA s technology priorities Legislative Agenda: Planning, Local Control NOACA should consider pursing technology funding under the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Program established under the FAST Act. This program makes competitive grants for the development of model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment. We recognize that NOACA will not be pursuing FY 2017 funding under this competitive discretionary grant program. However, we recommend that NOACA work now with member agencies and municipalities to identify a project that would be a strong candidate for the grant program in order to apply for FY 2018 funding, which we anticipate will have a late spring/early summer of 2018 deadline. Similar to INFRA grant applications, SPB would work with NOACA on its application and work to secure congressional letters of support. State Proposals Asset Management: Urban Paving Initiative (UPI): Increase funding from $35mm to $50mm Legislative Agenda: Asset Management Proposed Tactics Background: In January, 2000, The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Urban Paving Program was established to evenly distribute state urban paving funds throughout Ohio. NOACA recognizes that it is critical to maintain Northeast Ohio s highway infrastructure in a state of good repair beyond simply complying with MAP-21. As a result, it has developed a comprehensive Transportation Asset Management Program (TAMP). The TAMP will improve and sustain the condition of highway infrastructure toward a state of good repair and will tie the region s goals, objectives and performance measures to available resources for all modes of transportation

28 Objective: Block grant funding directly to the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO s) statewide vs the current practice of allocating funds to municipalities. Tactics: Build a statewide coalition on the topic by reaching out first to OARC and then possibly to individual MPO agencies as well. If there is agreement, work together to initiate conversation with ODOT on the topic. Create whitepaper on the benefits of block granting for municipalities to garner their support. Outcome: Increase UPI from $35mm to $50mm. Background: All 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the federal government levy some form of a gasoline tax. Most commonly these taxes are structured as a fixed cent-per-gallon rate. However, 20 states and D.C. have a variablerate gas tax that adjusts, to some degree, with inflation or prices without regular legislative action. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon has not been increased since 1993 Ohio has not increased its gas tax in 11 years 1 Compressed Natural Gas Tax Legislative Agenda: Rate of Return Objective: NOACA will develop a platform that supports any legislative effort that will add funding to roads and bridges. Currently, we will track SB 113 (Coley) which would levy an additional registration fee on passenger cars, non-commercial motor vehicles, and commercial cars and trucks beginning on January 1, In addition, the bill would authorize a per-gallon motor fuel price reduction for consumers that is equal to the state per-gallon motor fuel tax of $.28. Tactics: Monitor legislation Meeting with Senator Coley Communicate any press/statehouse clips on the bill to NOACA Consider testifying in committee during proponent testimony Outcome: Legislation like SB 113 would create additional funds to repair Ohio s roads and bridges. NOACA favors all such initiatives. 1 National Conference of State Legislatures: Variable Rate Gas Taxes 2/16/

29 Background: Currently, taxing authorities in Cuyahoga County consist of: the County Executive, Port Authority, Tri-C, Arts and Culture and the Metro Park system. Innovative Financing: Taxing Authority Legislative Agenda: Multimodal Transportation Objective: Establish a taxing authority for MPO s whether by simple majority through the MPO or via securing approval from each county within the MPO via real property, income, sales taxes, etc. Tactics: Schedule meeting with Governor s office Schedule meeting with Northeast Ohio delegation Schedule meeting with ODOT Schedule meeting with County Executive/Commissioners Outcome: Generate a new funding source for roads and bridges in Ohio (and perhaps specifically Northeast Ohio). Background: Currently, individual counties provide paratransit services, a county expense. Fare rates include: Mobility and Livability: Paratransit Legislative Agenda: Multimodalism Medina County: $2.00 each way/ride Cuyahoga County via RTA: Fares will rise from $2.25 to $2.50 in 2016, to $2.75 in 2017, $3.00 in 2018 and $3.25 in 2019 Lorain County: $9.25 for one way ride, discounts available. Geauga County: One way trip is $6.00, discounted fares available Lake County: via Laketran. Currently discounts are available and reimbursements available through Medicaid reimbursement. Objective: Secure additional state support, possibly through Medicaid, to assist in providing transportation dollars to users of transit authorities to get to and from healthcare appointments (paratransit). Will also consider securing funds for workforce needs related to transit and mobility, including buggy lanes for the Amish community. Tactics: Meeting with Medicaid Partner with the Fund for our Economic Future related to their workplace mobility study Lay the groundwork for issue to be part of Transportation budget next cycle by meeting with relevant legislators, Governor s office, ODOT, etc. Outcome: Offset current local expenditures with state Medicaid dollars

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31 NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: NOACA Community Advisory Council Grace Gallucci, Executive Director DATE: September 15, 2017 RE: NOACA Air Quality Public Outreach ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only. BACKGROUND/INFORMATION The Community Advisory Council is requested to consider the development of outreach activities to inform and engage community serving institutions on air quality priorities and to promote actions that work toward environmental quality goals defined in NOACA strategic planning documents. NOACA staff is developing a strategy to guide outreach and public engagement on air quality issues. With the concurrence of the NOACA Board, an outside consultant has been engaged to assist in the work of designing air quality outreach plans. This process and the strategy it produces will enable NOACA to implement the air quality goals identified by the NOACA Regional Strategic Plan and the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium (NEOSCC) - chiefly to bring the region into attainment of each of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This strategy will also identify existing gaps in air quality programming within the region and help raise greater awareness of the linkages among transportation choice, mobile emissions, air quality and public health in Northeast Ohio. This strategy will engage businesses, institutions, and activity centers in the promotion and utilization of the new Gohio Commute website, to encourage alternative commutes. Staff seeks both the input and direct engagement of the Community Advisory Council, in developing and performing outreach in the NOACA region. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact at this time. 5-9

32 CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS NOACA staff will continue to directly work with the Community Advisory Council to plan and conduct outreach and engagement activities to community development, health advocacy and other stakeholders in the NOACA region. GG/mh/7588c 5-10

33 NORTHEAST OHIO AREAWIDE COORDINATING AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: NOACA Community Advisory Council Grace Gallucci, Executive Director DATE: September 15, 2017 RE: NOACA Transit Oriented Development Outreach ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested at this time. This item is for information and discussion only. BACKGROUND/INFORMATION The Community Advisory Council is requested to consider the development of outreach activities to educate and inform stakeholders and to promote the benefits of transit oriented developments to leaders and community stakeholders in the NOACA region. NOACA has completed a Transit Oriented Development Scorecard and Implementation Plan this year, with the objectives of increasing ridership and encouraging development in and around the transit stations and high performing bus corridors, and with the overall goal of optimizing the region s transportation network. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) promotes a mixture of housing, retail, services, workplaces and open space within walking distance of transit to maximize use of the public transit system. By directing compact development to existing developed areas well-served by transit, TOD reduces public infrastructure costs over time and preserves regional open space. Pedestrian and bike friendly TOD has numerous public benefits including decreased congestion, a greater range of housing options, fewer emissions, and improved public health by creating walkable neighborhoods that promote physical activity. NOACA staff will facilitate a discussion of outreach and promotional activities that could positively influence adoption and investment in transit oriented developments in the NOACA region. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact at this time. 5-11

34 CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS NOACA staff will continue to directly work with the Community Advisory Council to plan and conduct outreach and engagement activities to the institutions and community stakeholders in the NOACA region. GG/mh/7589c 5-12

35 Agenda Item No. 6 REPORTS/UPDATES

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37 Agenda Item No. 7 OLD BUSINESS

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39 Agenda Item No. 8 NEW BUSINESS

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41 Agenda Item No. 9 ADJOURN

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