Budgeting – What comes to mind?

Budgeting – a word that evokes excitement for some and dread for others.

To be the most effective with the money we have, everyone must budget in some capacity. From the national level, to the state, right down to each of us individually. Here at COMPASS, we develop a budget of transportation projects— the Regional Transportation Improvement Program, or “TIP.”

What is this budget for, you ask? The TIP is a multi-year budget of transportation projects in Ada and Canyon Counties that expect federal or state funds and/or are “regionally significant.” Essentially, it’s a list of transportation projects with information on each project’s budget.

Each year, similar to those of you who budget, we update the TIP. New projects are added and old projects are completed or removed. In most cases, though, projects simply move from one year to the next as they work their way to completion.

So, why does it matter? Well, we can ask the same of personal budgeting.

Because it helps us all plan for the future.

Transportation projects are expensive, time consuming, and often take years to plan and execute. By preparing in advance, we help to ensure that a project has adequate funding and is on schedule when it’s time to build. Plus…it is federally required. Federal funds cannot be spent on transportation projects without first being budgeted in an approved TIP.

Until September 5, 2019, we will be collecting your feedback on the budget for fiscal years 2020 - 2026. The projects in the budget are paid for using your tax dollars and they have the potential to affect you, your commute, and your quality of life. Are these the transportation projects you think are highest priority? Are there specific changes you would like to see made? Your comments are important to us.

Let us know by learning more about the TIP, reviewing the proposed projects and changes, and submitting your comments no later than September 5, 2019. The COMPASS Board will be provided with all public comments before making any decisions in October.

I encourage you to provide your feedback and share the opportunity to comment with your neighbors, friends, and family. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Treasure Valley!

Leadership in Motion

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. - Warren Bennis

How do we translate vision into reality? How do we, as a region, take a long-range transportation plan and translate it into tangible projects, programs, and policies that benefit Treasure Valley residents?

While that question may sound rhetorical, it isn’t. There are people taking the lead every day on projects that implement the long-range transportation plan, Communities in Motion 2040 2.0, and improve the lives of everyone who lives or visits here.

Every year, COMPASS honors those people, businesses/nonprofits, and projects that have demonstrated leadership in implementing Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 through our Leadership in Motion awards.

Review the nomination criteria, consider who is leading the charge in your community, then take a moment to nominate him or her, or a project, business, or nonprofit for a Leadership in Motion award. It’s quick and easy – we never want the awards process to deter someone from submitting a nomination or prevent a worthy leader from being recognized.

Unsure who or what might be award-worthy? Check out last year’s winners for inspiration and ideas. At the same time, I encourage you to think outside the box and not limit yourself to traditional “transportation” projects. Implementing a transportation plan can take many forms.

This year’s awards will recognize efforts and projects that occurred between July 2018 and June 2019. Nominations will be accepted through 12:00 noon, Monday, September 23, 2019. Leadership in Motion awards will be presented on Monday, December 16, 2019, at the COMPASS/Valley Regional Transit Board Holiday Luncheon.