Monday, January 31, 2011

Join Me at the COMPASS Education Series

Each spring, COMPASS presents an educational speaker series, where we bring in experts from around the region and around the county to speak on issues affecting transportation, land use, funding, and other related items.

The purpose of the series is not to promote one “right” answer or a singular way of thinking, but to stimulate discussion and encourage thinking “outside the box” through looking at issues and solutions from a variety of perspectives, learning from what others have done, and examining new technologies.

We’ll be exploring “lessons learned” from others as we delve into the role of transportation in emergency planning in February. Our speaker has worked on major disasters, including Ground Zero and Hurricane Katrina, and undoubtedly has stories to tell and lessons we can learn.

In April, we’ll learn about new “solar roads” technology being developed right here in Idaho. Will this be part of our transportation future? I honestly don’t know, but am eager to hear more.

Other topics we’ll be discussing this spring include streets as public spaces (March), bike and pedestrian safety (May – tentative), and transportation demand management (June – tentative).

Typically, our speakers give two presentations – one in the evening for a general audience and one during the work day for professionals working in fields related to the topics. However, anyone is welcome to attend either presentation. All the presentations are free.

For details, visit http://www.compassidaho.org/comm/publicevents_2011_ed_series.htm.

I hope to see you there!

Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho

COMPASS is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization responsible for transportation planning in Ada and Canyon Counties. The COMPASS Board comprises 39 members representing the cities, counties, highway districts, educational institutions, state agencies, and other entities within the two counties. COMPASS plays an important role in making decisions about future long-range transportation needs in the Treasure Valley, taking into consideration environmental and economic factors that affect the quality of life.