Community-Based Transportation Planning Pilot Program

A community planning meeting with a diverse group of people gathered around a table looking at plans.

Community-Based Transportation Planning Pilot program

DRCOG has developed the Community-Based Transportation Planning Pilot program to proactively identify and address mobility challenges for historically underserved communities in the DRCOG region. Through the program, DRCOG staff and partners intend to improve mobility options for communities facing transportation inequities, barriers and challenges. DRCOG staff will work in partnership with local governments, community-based organizations and stakeholders to create community-based transportation plans.

The plans will identify specific transportation needs among historically underserved and marginalized communities, develop community-informed solutions and determine a path to fund and implement recommendations. And DRCOG staff intends to work with community-based organizations, local and county governments and community members throughout the development of the plans.

Community organization involvement

The program centers the perspectives of community members at the start and throughout the development of the plans. DRCOG will partner with community organizations to help form the plan, set goals, support engagement and review recommendations. Participating organizations are not required to work exclusively on transportation issues and a variety of organizations serving or representing the community. Examples include direct service organizations, faith-based organizations, health organizations, local schools or school districts and community groups. 

Community partner expectations

DRCOG funds, manages the project and consultant procurement and leads community engagement efforts for communities selected for the program. DRCOG staff anticipates representatives from relevant local government(s) will, at minimum, serve on a steering committee, provide background on existing conditions and past planning efforts, and support community engagement. DRCOG staff hopes to work with local governments that are interested in pursuing implementation of projects and strategies identified in the planning process.

2023 – 2024 program and nomination process

The nomination window for the 2023-2024 program has closed. DRCOG is currently working on community-based plans with the City of Edgewater and the City of Westminster. DRCOG will accept new nominations during the next Transportation Improvement Program cycle. Review the 2023 call for nominations.