EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Board of Directors June 12, 2020 “recent grave injustices…must be viewed in light of the historical trauma inflicted on African American communities, including discrimination wrought by the planning profession itself. APA recognizes this reality and is working to center equity in all planning processes in keeping with our mission of creating great communities for all.” American Planning Association (APA) Consistent with NOACA’s guiding mission and values, we are committed to playing our part. Building an equitable future for our region within a framework that recognizes the ways we can facilitate change by connecting our neighborhoods, communities and assets to enhance the quality of life for all, continues to be our focus. This is the time to embrace our differences and become more inclusive. In our role as planners, we can help bridge the divide through the advancement of programs, policies and improvements that are inclusive, fair, and benefit everyone. We can use our existing work with urban core communities, workforce mobility, transit-oriented development, transportation for livable communities, land-use and general transportation access, as well as new initiatives, as a foundation to build a better and more equitable plan for Northeast Ohio.
More to come as part of our eneo2050 LRP. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AGENDA PRIORITIES & STATUS • Long-Range Plan • Communications & Outreach • Legislative & Funding Issues • Overall Work Program (OWP) • Announcements Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increase Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achiev ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving IncreasedLONG Mobility Achieving-RANGE Increased Mobility PLAN Achieving Increased Mobility Achievi ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased LONG-RANGE PLAN
NOACA’s Long-Range Plan, will offer a vision of Northeast Ohio’s transportation future by aiming to achieve equity for everyone— with mobility access to land use, housing, health, environment and economic development. An Equitable Future for Northeast Ohio LONG-RANGE PLAN Public Involvement Activities • Public Awareness Campaign • – How to get involved? • Public opinion survey – June 2020 • CrowdGauge interactive tool – July 2020 • Video Campaign: Soliciting video comments from the public describing their vision for an equitable NEO Virtual Town Hall and Roundtable meetings • eNEO2050 website at www.eneo2050.com LONG-RANGE PLAN
• NOACA is asking local jurisdictions and regional agencies to submit transportation-related project needs envisioned over the next LRTP (2050) th st o June 15 – July 31 (letters sent next week with instructions) o Submit through online form: https://noaca.formstack.com/forms/lrtp_projects • Projects can include rehab of pavements and bridges, multimodal improvements, congestion management strategies, and safety improvements, amongst others • Projects already included in current LRTP or 2021-2024 TIP do not need to be resubmitted Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increase Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achiev ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased MobilityCOMMUNICATIONS Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility & OUTREACH Achieving Increased Mobility Achievi ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News Middlefield Transportation Study Mapped Out Geauga County Maple Leaf, March 18 • Middlefield Village is developing a transportation plan to improve safety & connectivity for motor vehicles, horse- drawn buggies, bicycles and foot traffic • Two surveys have been distributed for public input; three public meetings will be conducted this summer • NOACA approved $85,000 for the study under the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News NOACA launches regional discussion on merging Metropolitan Statistical Areas to boost NEO in national rankings cleveland.com, April 26
• NOACA is initiating discussion about merging NE Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Areas to raise profile and economic power o Coincides with 2020 Census, which could redefine the region o NOACA area MSA could merge with Akron and Canton MSAs • NE Ohio could become the 18th largest MSA in the nation with more than 3.1 million residents o Large MSAs have more influence in legislation and access to funding COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News Planning group wants Akron and Canton considered part of Greater Cleveland Akron Beacon Journal, May 19
• NOACA explores study to combine Akron and Canton’s MSAs with Cleveland-Elyria MSA; AMATS and Akron City Council proposed resolution to oppose consideration • NOACA: Combining MSAs would boost collaboration; unlock federal revenue streams and be more attractive to businesses • Summit county officials fear Akron and Canton would lose control of federal funding and planning grants • Another Source: Akron-Canton Adopt Metroplex Initiative to combine MSA – August 18, 2019; https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20190818/stark-summit-leaders-adopt-metroplex-label-to-market-region COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News NOACA recommends funding approval totaling $1.92 billion for major projects The Morning Journal, May 7 • NOACA’s Board of Directors approved: o SFY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program prioritizing $1.9 billion in road, bridge, transit, safety, bicycle, pedestrian and rail projects o 2020 Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) with $2.02 million for seven implementation projects and three regionally focused planning studies • An interactive map and list of projects can be found on NOACA’s website COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News Bay Village launches Cahoon Memorial Park study, master plan Westlake Bay Village Observer, May 19
• City of Bay Village received an ODNR Coastal Management Assistance Grant for a public access study of Bay Point and adjacent shoreline and walking path areas, and circulation with and connectivity to the rest of Cahoon Park • Study will build on the results of two 2017 studies: one of which is NOACA’s Cahoon Park Area Connectivity Study • New study will create a master plan to enhance public lakefront access, increase recreational enjoyment of Cahoon Park, beautify the lakefront setting, and protect and manage existing natural habitat COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News Innovative Euclid project inspires lakefront trail planning in Cuyahoga, Lake and Lorain counties cleveland.com, May 25 • Project vision of Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish: create a 30-mile lakefront bicycle trail between Euclid in the east and Bay Village in the west • NOACA awarded the project a $250,000 TLCI planning grant for a lakefront trail study; study will include Lake & Lorain counties • Cuyahoga County Dept. of Public Works will Improve bike and pedestrian access on the 18 county roads that run from the southern edge of the county to the water, to improve lake access COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News Lorain scores $399K for Safe Routes to School improvements The Morning Journal, June 2 • State grants totaling almost $400,000 will pay for sidewalk and safety improvements in the City of Lorain’s Safe Routes to Schools program toward Infrastructure funding • Improved sidewalks, curb ramps and new crosswalks • Digital speed limit signs • School pavement markings and signage • Next year, Lorain will receive $179,500 in NOACA CMAQ funding for a Washington Avenue bikeway stretching from Lorain High School to West Erie Avenue COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA in the News NOACA repaving Ridge Road from Memphis to Denison avenues, starting in Brooklyn cleveland.com, June 10 • Ridge Road repaving underway between Memphis Ave. in Brooklyn and Denison Ave. in Cleveland • Ridge Road is most highly traveled road in Brooklyn • NOACA committed $2 M to the project; Cuyahoga County, $250,000; and cities of Cleveland & Brooklyn, $124,000 each • Ridge Road is an important regional asset for efficient movement of people and goods • Project is a good example of the NOACA goal to promote regional cohesion with multiple entities partnering to implement the improvement across city boundaries COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH NOACA Sponsored May Bike Month Challenge • Public health and awareness campaign event to encourage people to ride their bicycles for work commutes, short errands and recreation while logging their bike rides on the Gohio Commute platform • Co-sponsored by Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, uGO and Bike Cleveland Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increase Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achiev ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased MobilityLEGISLATIVE Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving & IncreasedFUNDING Mobility Achieving ISSUES Increased Mobility Achievi ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased LEGISLATIVE & FUNDING ISSUES Federal CARES Act • Provides funds to state and local governments for COVID-19 related costs: • Funds go to states; 45% to be shared with county and local governments using LGF-like distribution formulas • Large jurisdictions (>500,000 population) like Cuyahoga County received direct funding • NOACA applied to U.S. Treasury to ensure direct funding for Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina Counties, with strong bipartisan support from region’s congressional delegation • NOACA continues to monitor state legislation and new guidance for distributing dollars to counties and cities in our region LEGISLATIVE & FUNDING ISSUES • The nation’s surface transportation law, the 2015 FAST Act, expires in September.
• Congress is moving forward on reauthorization, with different bills now pending in the House and Senate.
• NOACA supports a reauthorized FAST Act that provides more local control over the federal gas tax dollars we send to D.C., to better address regional priorities. LEGISLATIVE & FUNDING ISSUES • Document, developed through External Affairs Committee, meant to guide advocacy with members of Congress. • Specific recommendations delineated and summarized. • Increase MPO share of STBG, CPG • Provide direct MPO funding from NHPP, CMAQ • Stabilize and grow Highway Trust Fund • Retain & increase Mass Transit Account • Authorize funding for NETT Council • Document was developed through the External Affairs Committee & will be sent to Board members following this meeting for comment. Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increase Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achiev ncreased MobilityOVERALL Achieving Increased Mobility WORK Achieving Increased PROGRAM Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achievi ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility(OWPAchieving Increased) Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP)
MFT Revenue Pavement Maintenance Impacts of COVID-19 Total Loss County Loss Cost Saving MILLION DOLLARS • NOACA analyzed impacts of COVID-19 on region’s transportation from March 24 – June 1 Cuyahoga 15.63 3.013 12.617 • 40% of Employees continued to commute Geauga 1.37 0.264 1.106 Lake 3.05 0.588 2.462 • 71% drop in VMT and fuel consumption, reducing Ohio gas tax revenues by $27M (local share) and Lorain 4.00 0.772 3.228 $38M (state share) Medina 3.09 0.597 2.493 • Losses will impact local distributions in coming NOACA Region 27.14 5.23 21.906 Ohio State months -- full report will be distributed to Board 38.17 1.046 37.124 when final (NOACA Region)
OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) Impact of COVID-19 Analysis on NOACA Region
Motor Fuel Tax EMV: Equivalent Monetary Values State of Ohio In : Daily loss: $538,000 Local Governments: Daily Loss: $317,000 Commuters: Total EMV of Congestion & Residents: Total of EMV Saving: Crash Cost Savings: $620 per Household Average of $145 per Household Commuters: Total Fuel Savings Average Reduction in Emission Cost 14 Gallons / $26 per Household per week OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP)
COVID -19 Impacts on Transportation
• Webinar on Thursday June 18th - From 12 PM to 1 PM
• NOACA’s Report will be available on: www.noaca.org OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) Great Lakes Hyperloop Major Project Update Peer Review 2020 BUILD Grant Application • Workshops held in May • Tier I EIS • Technology • Route Options and Operations • Conceptual Engineering • Capital Costs • Tunnel Design • Operating Costs • Station Design • Passenger Market Analysis • Maintenance Facility Design • Freight Market Analysis • Local match 50/50 NOACA/HTT • Financial & Economic Analysis • Supply side Economic Analysis • Cleveland State University, University of Illinois, Chicago, Northwestern University, Carnegie Melon University OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) Geauga County Roadway Safety Improvements BUILD Project – Major Project Update • Received $9,561,000 BUILD funds in 2018 • 8’ buggy lanes • 4’ shoulders for pedestrians • Buggy warning detection systems • Intersection conflict warning systems • School zone/pedestrian warning signs/beacons • Project nearing completion of final design • Estimated construction: Spring 2021 – Fall 2022 • Excellent partnership between NOACA, ODOT and Geauga County Engineer OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) Regional Strategic Transit Plan – Major Project Update • Project work began in Fall 2019 • Existing Conditions analysis and Policy Interviews are complete • Consultant and NOACA staff are currently developing short-term and long- term actions for implementation plan • Draft strategies and actions will be presented to Policy Committee, Transit Council and Board for discussion and input in the coming months • Action strategies will be incorporated into NOACA’s Long-Range Plan OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) Clean Water 2020 Plan – Major Project Update
• Clean Water 2020 is an update to 20 year old Clean Water 2000 plan • Updated plan to be presented at the Water Quality Subcommittee meeting next Friday • Public comment period June 19 - July 20 • Public webinar for the plan on July 1 OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) Geauga County Bike Map • Geauga County bike map printed; distribution is underway • Identifies roads best suited for beginners; most adults; confident riders and expert riders • Is unique in that it shows the location of Amish buggy lanes that bicyclists may also use and the section of the Maple Highlands Trail where buggies are allowed • Final bike map in the series of updates that started in 2015 OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) Banking / Line of Credit Major Project Update
• Board authorized line of credit after last federal government shutdown • PNC was selected through procurement process, cannot move forward with the line of credit at this time • By the time the bank’s legal review was completed and collateral was determined, the pandemic had altered the bank’s risk profile along with their policies, procedures, and priorities • Our primary banking relationship will remain at Citizens Bank OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) 2020 NEORSD Green Infrastructure Grant – Major Project Update
• NEORSD awarded NOACA a $185,000 grant for first phase of overall project to add green infrastructure to building and capture stormwater runoff • Roof Runoff Capture • Bioretention Swale and Cistern • Green Wall • NOACA staff approved final design and construction budget June 4 • Consultants submit design to NEORSD and City of Cleveland the week of June 8-12 OVERALL WORK PROGRAM (OWP) NOACA’S GIS PORTAL • Access NOACA data in an interactive and clickable web-based mapping environment. • Data layers are grouped into categories in tabs/icons along the top of the page:
Bike & Pedestrian Safety Traffic •Cuyahoga County Bike Map 2016 •Safety Priority Locations •Downtown Cleveland Parking •Regional Bike Network •Traffic Counts •Bike & Pedestrian Counts Planning Transit •Level of Stress (LOS) •Area Type •Fixed Transit •Bike Suitability •Environmental Justice Areas Layers •Potential Bikeway Demand •Facility Planning Areas (FPA) •NOACA County Boundaries •Priority Bikeway Network •Job Hubs •NOACA Planning Area Environmental •Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) •Political Boundaries •Sub Watershed Boundaries •Technical Assistance Projects (TA) •Watershed Boundaries •Transportation Improvement Program 2018-2021 (TIP) Freight •Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) •Federal Aid Primary Truck Routes •Urban Core Communities •Intermodal Connectors •Urban Area 2010 •NOACA Freight Network Roads •NOACA Freight Counts •Functional Class 2014 •Railroad Lines •National Highway System (NHS)
GIS Portal 101 Webinar • June 25, 2020 at 12:00 pm Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increase Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achiev ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving IncreasedANNOUNCEMENTS Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achievi ncreased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased Mobility Achieving Increased CLEAN AUDIT AWARD
• The Auditor of State met with the Finance & Audit and Executive Committees following the March Board meeting to review the results of the Fiscal Year 2019 audit • This is NOACA’s 30th straight year of unmodified opinion • NOACA is received a clean audit award as a result of the completion of a successful financial audit while meeting specific criteria ANNOUNCEMENTS FY 2020 ODOT Safe Routes to Schools Funding Awards • Infrastructure (Intersection improvements, sidewalks, pavement markings, signage) • Bay Village - $207,000 • Lorain City Schools - $396,554 • Warrensville Heights - $399,828 • Non-Infrastructure (education, enforcement, encouragement) • Lorain City Schools - $30,000 • Warrensville Heights City School District - $16,000 • School Travel Plan Development • East Cleveland City Schools, Parma City School District, Oberlin City Schools ANNOUNCEMENTS Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) Program Project Solicitation
• Provides support to transportation providers who offer coordinated transportation to meet the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities • About $1,723,993 available for SFY 2021 projects • Applications open next week and due 8/7/20 by noon • NOACA will host an applicant webinar on July 9th • Webinar and application details are available at noaca.org/5310 ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAC • Ohio’s Transportation Review Advisory Council will accept funding applications June 15th – July 15th • Eligible projects: • Existing TRAC-funded projects (Tier I, II or III) and additional funds are needed to advance to the next stage of development • A new project, not previously applied for TRAC funding, that demonstrates significant impact to jobs or statewide economic impact • Extra consideration given to projects with non- ODOT funding commitments greater than 30% ANNOUNCEMENTS Ohio EPA’S Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund Grants Available for NOACA Region • Application cycle opened June 1; deadline is August 7 • Available to repower or replace diesel fleet vehicles in priority counties, including all NOACA counties • Eligible fleets/vehicles include school, transit, shuttle buses, medium and heavy duty trucks, switcher locomotives, port cargo equipment, and intermodal facilities • $12 million is available this cycle; awards will range from $50,000 to $2 million • OEPA website will post recorded webinar with Q&A ANNOUNCEMENTS NOACA Transportation Day • July 24, 2020, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Equitable Access to Transportation • Register and receive instructions for connecting through Zoom; advance registration required • Morning keynote speaker – Jack Marchbanks, ODOT Director • Afternoon panel discussion on equitable community access • Small breakout group discussion to follow WALTER EHRNFELT JR. AWARD
• Nomination forms are available for the Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr. Award for outstanding regional contribution, at www.noaca.org/ehrnfeltaward • Award will be presented at the 2020 Annual Meeting on September 11 ANNOUNCEMENTS Next Board of Directors meeting: September 11, 2020, 9 a.m. followed by NOACA’s Annual Meeting
• The Importance of Transportation for Ohio’s Economy and Future Growth • Huntington Cleveland Convention Center, Ballroom C
RSVP to Amy at [email protected]