July Quarterly Update

This time of year, it’s common in the COMPASS office to hear, “It’s already July! Where has the time gone?” And truly, I’m shocked that it’s already time for another quarterly update. Since April, COMPASS has been abuzz with activity – our staff doing the leg work to prepare for projects coming down the pipeline. And while, sometimes, that prep work may seem to go unnoticed in the day-to-day, we’ve certainly seen the pay-off over the past few months.

Last Three Months

One particular project that COMPASS staff have eagerly awaited is the newly-purchased data bike. This electric cargo bike will be used to collect pavement roughness and surface condition data. The bike will be equipped with technology such as a phone-based accelerometer, 360-degree video camera, and GPS system to tie the information together with location for pathway maintenance and planning.

In addition to the data bike, we’ve started a few more exciting projects since April. A contract for the Rails with Trails Development Cost Study was finalized and work on this study has begun. To start, COMPASS hosted a Rails with Trails Study kickoff meeting with Rails with Trails Workgroup in May.

Finally, in my last update, I mentioned that COMPASS was in the process of preparing for the next regional long-range transportation plan. The COMPASS Board of Directors approved the scope of work for the next regional long-range transportation plan, Communities in Motion 2050, in June. Work on Communities in Motion 2050 will begin immediately, with a target date for plan completion in December 2022.

So what does this all mean moving forward?

Next Three Months

In the upcoming months, COMPASS will begin work on Communities in Motion 2050, including soliciting public input into trends and preferences that may affect how people live, work, play, and travel in the Treasure Valley by the year 2050. This input will help shape many of the assumptions that provide the foundation for Communities in Motion 2050.

At the same time, the FY2020 Resource Development Plan will be finalized and submitted to the COMPASS Board of Directors for approval in August. This annual plan guides COMPASS staff in seeking funding for projects that implement the current long-range plan, Communities in Motion 2040 2.0.

Additional areas of focus will include finalizing the Rails with Trails study, creating a work plan for the 2050 Treasure Valley Bikeway and Pathway Plan, and starting work on the 2050 growth forecast.

Lastly, COMPASS will host Education Series speakers on distracted driving and pilot programs. This will help lay the foundation for discussions on safety and incorporating new and changing technologies and ideas into Communities in Motion 2050.

As you can see, much of our efforts this year are focused on creating a strong foundation for our next long-range plan. The ensuing months will be nothing short of exciting here at COMPASS and I look forward to sharing the next update with all of you.