What's New

AMATS and The Civic Commons are teaming up to give the public a greater voice in the transportation planning process. AMATS has received 11 applications for its Connecting Communities Planning Grant and wants to give the public a chance to review the applications and vote on which proposals they think deserve to be funded.

“We felt that the time was right to tap into the opportunities available through today’s social media to give people a chance to be active participants in the selection process rather than learn about decisions well after they’ve been made,” AMATS Mobility Planner Heather Davis Reidl comments.

The Connecting Communities Planning Grant funds planning studies that focus on promoting more transportation choices, enhancing economic competitiveness and supporting existing neighborhoods. Communities across Portage and Summit counties applied for program funding. The public can access the grant applications and vote by visiting http://theciviccommons.com/issues/amats.

“We’re inviting people to view the proposals and then vote on the two that they think are the most worthy,” Davis Reidl continues, “We’re striving for a more proactive approach to planning.”

Vote tallies will be relayed to AMATS for consideration. The agency’s Policy Committee is expected to select grant recipients during its Dec. 7 meeting.

“We want people to vote for the proposals that they feel exemplify good planning practices. Their votes will help the Policy Committee make an informed decision,” Davis Reidl adds.

For additional information, please call 330-375-2436 or send an email to hreidl@akronohio.gov.