Public input continues to shape transportation priorities
Omaha, Neb., Dec. 3, 2020 – ConnectGO, a regional collaboration to reimagine and modernize Greater Omaha’s multimodal transportation, today announced a new twist on its metro-wide survey process: A traveling bench designed to invite conversation and fuel survey responses.
Dubbed “My Ideal City Is…,” the colorful bench is appearing around the community as an interactive place to gather feedback and ideas. Passersby can rest on the bench while sharing their opinions by either completing a new ConnectGO online survey, or filling out an opinion card.
The survey, available in English and Spanish, seeks to reach a wide range of participants. It includes questions about specific aspects of transportation and potential enhancements to different transportation modes, including walking, bicycling, using transit and driving. This survey follows an initial series of public input that provided key information about community priorities, needs and transportation preferences.
Results of the earlier input laid the groundwork for ConnectGO working groups to identify short- and long-term transportation solutions as part of an emerging regional transportation strategy. The strategy, which will provide a roadmap to future transportation decisions, will be released in 2021.
“We’re at a pivotal moment for our region when it comes to transportation. We need to do everything we can to solidify Greater Omaha’s long-term economic strength by ensuring our transportation system is meeting the needs of everyone. And, there’s no better to way to learn people’s needs than by asking. We’ve made a lot of progress in developing a new regional transportation strategy, and we’re excited to learn what people think of the ideas that are emerging,” said Stephen Osberg, Director of Transportation Development at the Greater Omaha Chamber, who oversees the ConnectGO initiative/partnership.
Currently, the “My Ideal City Is…” bench can be found at Hardy Coffee at Highlander, 2120 North 30th Street. The bench will move to Do Space for the week of December 7 and to the Council Bluffs Public Library the week of December 14. It is scheduled to appear in multiple locations across the metro.
To complete the survey, without visiting the bench, go to survey.connectGO.org or text “connect” to 512-580-8850.
###
About ConnectGO
ConnectGO brings voices, expertise and leadership from across the region together to develop a region-wide transportation strategy for the future. The group is led by the Greater Omaha Chamber, Metro Smart Cities, MAPA and Metro. www.omahachamber.org/connectgo
About Metro Area Planning Agency (MAPA)
MAPA exists to provide local governments with planning and technical support, thinking regionally and long range on the core issues that impact the vibrancy of the Greater Omaha-Council Bluffs area.
About the Greater Omaha Chamber
The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration.
About Greater Omaha
Greater Omaha is a No. 1 ranked up-and-coming-tech hotspot, Time magazine’s 2017 No. 3 Most Up-and-Coming City in America and was named America’s No. 2 Best Small City by Resonance Consultancy. Greater Omaha is home to more than 30 communities and nearly 1 million people.