PPP MOE 06 - Plan Hillsborough

for the Hillsborough County MPO
Evaluation Period:
Approved:
October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007
January 15, 2008
Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization
th
P.O. Box 1110, 18 Floor, Tampa, FL 33601-1110
Phone: 813/272-5940 Fax: 813/272-6258
www.hillsboroughmpo.org
www.mpotransit.org
for the Hillsborough County MPO
Historical Perspective
page
2
Guiding Principles
page
3
Measuring MPO Visibility
page
5
Measuring Participation Opportunities
page 15
Measuring Public Interest & Feedback
page 21
Measuring Input Results
page 27
Refining the Public Participation Process
page 33
Summary & Results
page 37
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
1
On April 14, 1998, the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) adopted a Public Involvement Plan (PIP). This plan identified a proactive public participation process for the transportation planning products of the MPO. This process included timely public notices, complete access to information, full access and input to key decisions and supporting early and continuing involvement of the community. In 1999, the Federal Highway Administration, through its certification process, suggested the MPO develop a mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of the PIP. So, in August of 1999, several evaluation measures were approved by the MPO. The PIP was slightly modified in an update approved on October 3, 2002. On October 13, 2003, a new Public Involvement Plan was adopted by the MPO. For the first time, the PIP included principles on which to build the MPO public outreach efforts, as well as modified goals and objectives, an updated toolkit and a revised ‘Effectiveness and Evaluation’ section. Pursuant to the passage of Florida’s Growth Management legislation and the federal law, Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA‐LU), and pursuant to the declaration of the Tampa Bay airshed being in attainment of national air quality standards, the PIP was amended and renamed the Public Participation Plan (PPP) on January 3, 2006. Other changes in the PPP included: • Adding an objective specifically discussing the use of visualization techniques, particularly in the development of
the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP);
• Changing the PPP update cycle to be consistent with the revised LRTP update cycle (every 5 years);
• Adding as a measure of effectiveness the number of MPO publications available on the MPO web site;
• Deleting the requirements for public hearing prior to amending the LRTP (though still practiced) and TIP while
maintaining the requirement for public hearings prior to the adoption of these documents;
• Adding a requirement for a roll call vote of the MPO Board members for the adoption of the LRTP, TIP, and TIP
Amendments for the first 3 years of the program;
• Documenting the membership positions of the MPO Advisory Committees;
• Adding a stipulation that the MPO will provide opportunity for public comment on Purpose and Need Statements
developed as part of the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) screening process.
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
2
The Public Participation Plan describes the MPO’s public participation strategies and techniques to inform and involve the public in transportation planning issues with the purpose of maximizing effectiveness. The following principles, developed in conjunction with best practice standards for public involvement, guide the PPP: Provide Opportunities for Involvement.
Avenues for involvement will be open, meaningful and organized so as to provide an environment that encourages convenient and comfortable participation. Consideration of needs for accessibility, scheduling, location, format and language of informational materials will be structured to allow informed, constructive exchanges with clear definition of the information being presented. Participants will be provided information so that they more clearly understand the trade‐offs and will be encouraged to grapple with the many competing transportation objectives. Be Inclusive of Constituencies.
Determine stakeholders and target audience. Identify strategies to bring the information to these groups. Efforts to reach new and existing constituencies include continuing outreach to those with accessibility issues as well as minority, low income, elderly, youth communities and neighborhoods or groups that may be affected by proposed projects. Use creative techniques to engage the audience in discussion and interaction regarding topical issues. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
3
Be Responsive to Participants.
MPO forums will facilitate discussion that directly corresponds to the participants and their available time. Informational materials should be clear, concise and address the concerns of the participants. Information will be available in sufficient detail to allow citizens to form and express their independent views. The results of all public involvement activities will be documented and given full consideration in all MPO decision‐making as well as conveyed to the implementing agencies for their consideration. Provide a Predictable Process.
The planning process will be understandable and known well in advance. This consistency in our process will allow the MPO staff, citizens and officials to plan their time and effectively apply their resources. Be Creative and Flexible. The direction and effectiveness of this program should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it meets the needs of the public and the MPO. This program should evolve to include new avenues of communication to augment the public outreach efforts of the MPO. Maximize Exposure, Minimize Costs.
The Hillsborough County MPO is committed to coordinate this process with local, federal and statewide public involvement processes wherever possible to enhance public consideration of the issues, plans and programs while reducing redundancies and minimizing costs. It is under these guiding principles that the measures of effectiveness were proposed as part of the evaluation process under each of the following categories: MPO Visibility; Participation Opportunities; Public Interest & Feedback; and Input Results. At the conclusion of the review of MPO performance in each of these areas, there is an opportunity to refine the PPP process through a series of recommendations. Other opportunities to enhance performance may occur as a result of ongoing feedback, periodic surveys, or with the update of the Public Participation Plan that accompanies the launch of the Long Range Transportation Plan update. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
4
•
MPO Publications Listing October 1, 2006 – September 30, 2007 Title
Adoption or Publication Month
Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan 2006 – 2010
October 2006
2025 Long Range Transportation Plan Amended
October 2006
Community Transportation Coordinator Evaluation 2005 – 2006
December 2006
MPO Transit Study – Values Workshops Focus Groups Summary Report
January 2007
Public Participation Plan Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/05 – 09/30/06
January 2007
Ride Guide: Your Guide to Getting a Ride Around Hillsborough County – 2007 Edition
January 2007
Capital Improvement Element Annual Update Procedures for Transportation Facilities
March 2007
Unified Planning Work Program and Budget 2007/08
May 2007
MPO Transit Study – Transit Scenarios Game Workshops Summary Report
May 2007
MPO Transit Study – Transit Needs & Opportunities Map Pamphlet
May 2007
Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan 2006 - 2010 Amended
June 2007
Westshore Mobility Strategy – Existing Conditions Report
June 2007
Transportation Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2007/08 – 2011/12
June 2007
Congestion Management Process Performance Measures – Technical Memorandum
June 2007
2025 Long Range Transportation Plan SAFETEA-LU Update
June 2007
Tri-County Access Plan
July 2007
MPO Transit Study – Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Assessment
August 2007
Westshore Mobility Strategy – Survey Results
August 2007
MPO Transit Study – Transit Concept for 2050 Map Pamphlet
September 2007
Annual Expenditures Report & Annual Budget Estimate Report for the
Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
September 2007
This publications listing does not include publications of The Mobility Focus, Bike Ped NEWS or The Transit Center. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
5
• MPO Newsletters, Citizens Guides, Ride Guides, Bicycle Suitability Maps and other brochures distributed Three regular issues of the MPO newsletters, The Mobility Focus and Bike‐Ped NEWS, as well as one Special School Issue of The Mobility Focus were distributed during this evaluation period. A new publication, The Transit Center, was created with special focus on the development of the MPO Transit Study and the latest in transit technologies. During this evaluation period, Volumes 1 through 3 of The Transit Center were produced and distributed. In addition to print distribution, all newsletter publications were placed on the MPO web sites, either www.hillsboroughmpo.org or www.mpotransit.org, or on both as appropriate. At their request, email hot link notifications of posted MPO newsletters are routinely sent to nearly 1000 interested citizens, public officials, homeowners associations, agencies, private firms and the news media. In addition, many newsletters, invitations and advertisements this past year were sent via newsgroups; whereby, dozens or even hundreds of users were informed via one email address. Newsletter Print Distribution
Issue
Print Distribution
Mobility Focus #38
Autumn 2006
3,400
Special School Issue
Autumn 2006
5,300
Mobility Focus #39
Winter 2007
5,000
The Transit Center: Volume 1
Winter 2007
5,500
Mobility Focus #40
Summer 2007
5,000
The Transit Center: Volume 2
Summer 2007
6,000
The Transit Center: Volume 3
Autumn 2007
1,500
Total:
31,700
The hard copy mailing list blossomed to 2,278 registrants this year due to our extensive outreach. Issues #38, #39 and #40 of The Mobility Focus, which included Volumes 1 and 2 of The Transit Center, and Bike Ped NEWS were distributed to these registrants via U.S. Mail. The remaining printed copies of each issue were distributed through the Tampa‐Hillsborough County Public Library System, the County Tax Collector’s (vehicle tag) branch offices, AAA service centers, PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
6
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) distribution centers, the Planning Commission lobby and library, or handed out at public outreach venues throughout the year. “Safe Routes to School for Our Kids” was the cover story and the subject of the questionnaire for the Special School Issue complemented by a feature on the “Walking School Bus” that was distributed directly to each school in Hillsborough County through the school’s mailroom. Also, a few hundred copies were sent to Bay Area Commuter Services (BACS) to promote the “Walking School Bus” program in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. The Transit Center editions mirrored progress in the MPO Transit Study. Volume 1 was a four page edition that promoted the upcoming Transit Scenarios Workshops at the Florida State Fairgrounds and the Home Game Version opportunities. An overview of the Community Values Focus Groups was also featured. Volume 2 doubled in size to 8 pages and featured the Transit Needs & Opportunities Map and an accompanying survey. The Transit Scenarios Workshops, Leadership Team Meetings and Reality Check were also discussed. Volume 3 expanded to a full 12 pages about “Transit Future Concepts with You in Mind,” looking closely at three Transit Concepts being evaluated over the summer, and how each concept and a blend of concepts, impacts quality of life and economic vitality as we continue to grow through the year 2050. The Autumn 2006 issue of The Mobility Focus’ cover story talked about the MPO’s directive to undertake the MPO Transit Study. Three other MPO studies underway were also featured: 1. The tri‐county cooperative study on Job Access/ Reverse Commute & New Freedom 2. The Northeast Plant City Area Master Plan 3. The Tampa Downtown Circulator Study PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
7
The center of this issue celebrated the transportation‐related projects that were honored at the Planning Commission’s Annual Community Design Awards Program. Other celebrations in this issue included the opening of the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Pedestrian Bridge; recognition for the MPO’s Busch Boulevard Accessibility Study at Hillsborough County’s 2006 Disabled Advocacy Awards; and National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) Major Metro Achievement Award for cooperative regional planning for the West Central Florida Chairs Coordinating Committee. Bike Ped NEWS featured a very “appetizing recipe” for a livable community. Public participation was showcased in the Winter 2007 issue in “Working with You in 2006” featuring highlights from last year’s Public Participation Plan Measures of Effectiveness Report. More than 3,800 outreach participants and 2,405 meeting participants made 2006 another successful MPO planning year. The cover story featured the tri‐county workshops conducted to brainstorm on accessibility solutions for those with the greatest transportation needs. These workshops ultimately resulted in the Tri‐County Access Plan. The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Five‐Year Tentative Work Program was also presented. Recognition of the MPO by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida American Planning Association (FAPA) for the Livable Roadways Guidelines and for an outstanding citizen volunteer, Mr. Leonard Plotkin, was another highlight in this issue. The Summer 2007 newsletter covered the 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan Amendment to comply with SAFETEA‐LU and listed new roadway projects added to the 2025 Cost Affordable Plan. Also, the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for Fiscal Year 2007/2008 that was adopted at the May MPO Board Meeting was featured, giving an overview of PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
8
ongoing and new planning projects for the upcoming year. Stories about a statewide evacuation study, the Gandy Area Transportation Study, and the County’s Senior Zones rounded out that summer issue. Recognition of service for former MPO Board Members Shawn Harrison, Linda Saul‐Sena and Mary Alvarez was included in this issue as well. The Citizens Guide to Transportation Planning continues to be the best MPO tool for an overview of what the MPO is about, how it functions and what its major planning products are. Nearly 1,000 copies were distributed this year. In the next year, the Citizens Guide will be updated and redesigned as the update of the Long Range Transportation Plan gets underway. Other promotional materials, including two new signature items for the MPO’s Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB) and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), continue to be two of our most requested outreach items. About 12,000 copies of the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board’s 2007 Edition of the Ride Guide: Your Guide to Getting a Ride in Hillsborough County were distributed within two weeks of printing. The transportation disadvantaged community, reached through direct mail, social service and transportation agencies as well as through government offices and our legislators, find this to be an extremely useful guide for serving those with the greatest needs in our county. Some of the groups, organizations or agencies currently distributing the Ride Guide include the Planning Commission; Hillsborough County’s Citizens Action Center, Aging Services, Health & Social Services, ADA Liaison, African American Liaison, Hispanic Liaison, Board of County Commissioners, Sunshine Line, Emergency Operations Center, and Public Library System; Veterans Affairs; Tampa Sparks; YES! Of America; Self Reliance; Federation of Families; Alzheimers Association; HARC; Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind; Plant City Neighborhood Service Center; Florida Department of Children & Families; Bay Area Commuter Services; Division of Blind Services; and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
9
About 5000 more of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s printed copies of the 2006 Bicycle Suitability Map were distributed through partner agencies and bicycle shops throughout Hillsborough County, as well as at MPO and BPAC events and informational displays this year. Each of these are working tools that exemplify to the public the relevance of the planning that the MPO, TDCB and BPAC do and how it can positively impact their daily lives. They not only educate and encourage participation in long range transportation planning, but also, they impact mobility and choices for individuals in our community today. • Newspaper advertisements and public notices placed in publications and readership demographics All meetings were publicly noticed on both the Planning Commission and MPO web sites, as well as HTV22’s on‐screen calendar. Newspaper notices and related news articles appeared in the Tampa Tribune, whose circulation reaches over 230,000 adults in the Tampa Bay region daily and over 508,000 adults on Sundays. These circulation numbers are significantly down from previous years due to the number of people who obtain news off the internet and cable news options that are available around the clock, 24/7. The Tribune’s parent company also owns a number of local weekly publications, which run neighborhood‐specific articles and repeat ads as appropriate. Examples include: Brandon News & Shopper, South Shore News, The Sun, Plant City Courier, South Tampa News, Town ‘n’ Country News, Brandon Community News, Carrollwood Community News, Temple Terrace News, The News ‐ Lutz, etc. The combined weekly readership of these publications is about 400,000 readers per week. Notices are also placed in two newspapers with target minority audiences: La Gaceta, a weekly publication with a circulation over 21,000 with predominantly Hispanic readership; and The Sentinel, a newspaper aimed at the local African‐American population which is published twice each week, and has a circulation over 30,000. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
10
This year, the MPO augmented it newspaper advertising exposure utilizing the TBT (Tampa Bay Times) for the first time. The TBT is a free paper with an aggressive marketing strategy that literally places TBT in the hands of the public in high traffic flow areas. With very reasonable advertisement pricing and 66,000 daily readers and 95,000 on the weekends, the TBT proved itself to be a worthwhile investment. Some of the ads placed for participation or events this year are sampled below: PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
11
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
12
Print Media Inventory
Ads, public notices & press releases
16
MPO related articles *
98
Total:
114
* Articles counted do not include neighborhood or papers out of the area. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
13
• West Central Florida Chairs Coordinating Committee (CCC) brochures CCC Public Information Pieces
5,000 print
1,250 email
Regional Connections 2007 Newsletter
CCC Annual Report distributed via the St. Pete
Times & Tampa Tribune & at outreach events
Regional Long Range Transportation Plan Brochure
Total:
275,000 print
8,000 print
289,250
In addition, newspaper advertisements were placed for the Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) Workshop by all six CCC member MPOs. •
Transportation Management Organization maps sponsored Published by the Maddux Report in July 2007
Downtown Transportation Maps printed & distributed:
•
30,500
Meetings broadcast on Hillsborough County Television (HTV22) The MPO Board held 10 regular meetings between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007. The Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board’s Annual Public Hearing was held in April. All 11 of these meetings were broadcast live on HTV22 and later rebroadcast throughout the corresponding month. Although it is not possible to track exactly who views these televised broadcasts, Brighthouse estimates there are currently over 325,000 viewers that access HTV22. This number does not include Verizon cable subscribers, but it is estimated that they have more than 50,000 additional subscribers tuning in. In addition, HTV22 produced a 60‐second MPO Transit Study public service announcement (PSA) that aired on HTV22 and was distributed with media kits to other stations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Also, a segment of “Inside Hillsborough” featuring the transit study aired in February. HTV22 continues to be an outstanding partner in planning and public participation. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
14
•
Participants at MPO public forums, workshops and community meetings at which displays, presentations, discussions and feedback occurred Date
Public Forums, Workshops, Community
Meetings & Other Participation Opportunities,
Presentations, Displays & Events
10/12
10/18
10/26
10/29
10/31
11/02
11/14
Brandon Chamber of Commerce
ERIC Seminar - University of South Florida (presentation on Land Use/ Transportation)
Board of County Commissioners Town Hall Meeting - Middleton High School
Bicycle Bash By the Bay - St Pete Times Forum
Job Access Reverse Commute/ New Freedom Initiative Workshop – Rome Avenue
Job Access Reverse Commute/ New Freedom Initiative Workshop – Brandon
Great American Teach-In, Lewis Elementary School, Temple Terrace
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
Estimated
Participants
The pace for outreach has been full steam ahead for the MPO this year. Actively pursuing public input continues to be a priority for the MPO, the results of which continue to be impressive. Not only were there more opportunities for public participation this year than any previous year, but also there was a wider variety of ways for the public to get involved in long range transportation planning. Up from last year’s 3,800+ participants, this year there were more than 5700 participants in the planning process. Major studies this year, like the Tri‐County Access Plan and the MPO Transit Study, provided a wide variety of public participation formats for citizens, stakeholder groups, and community leaders to have direct impact on the formulation of the resulting plans. Highlights of this past year’s public forums, workshops or community meetings at which the MPO made presentations, held displays and provided opportunities for feedback and estimated participation are listed below: 27
50
125
100
35
29
17
15
11/14
11/14
11/11–15
11/15
11/17
11/17
11/17
11/18
11/27
11/27
11/28
11/29
12/04
12/04
12/06
12/11
12/12
12/13
12/20
01/05
01/09
01/09
01/11
01/12
01/20
01/17
01/22
01/26
01/26
01/28
02/07
02/07
02/08
02/16
02/16
02/22
02/22
02/23
02/24
02/27
02/27
02/28
03/01
03/02
03/10
03/12
Great American Teach-In, Chiles Elementary School, Tampa
Great American Teach-In, Rampello Downtown Partnership School
Transportation Research Board
Transit Study Briefing - West Tampa Community Development Corporation –
Overlay Committee
Transit Study Discussion - WUSF TV
Transit Study Briefing - Tampa Downtown Partnership Transportation Committee Meeting
American Cancer Society – Lifeline Transportation Program
West Tampa Volunteers Land Use & Transportation Committee – Rosa Valdez Center
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Transit Study Presentation - Plant City City Commission Meeting
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – Lutz Community Center
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – West Tampa Library
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – Temple Terrace Public Works Building
Transit Study Briefing - Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Board Meeting
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – SouthShore Regional Library
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – Sandy Perrone Park, Town & Country
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – St. Matthew Baptist Church, East Tampa
Transit Study Community Values Focus Group – Plant City Chamber of Commerce
Transit Study Presentation - Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council –
Regional Transit Roundtable
Transit Study Briefing - Mayor Iorio’s office
Transit Study Briefing with Stephen Mitchell, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Chair
Transit Study Presentation - Ybor City Chamber of Commerce
Transit Study Presentation - Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Transit Study Presentation - Tampa Downtown Partnership
Gasparilla Children’s Bicycle Rodeo
Transit Study Presentation – Creative Tampa Bay Advisory Network
Transit Study Presentation – Tampa Homebuilders Association
SouthShore Roundtable
Urban Land Institute Lunch & Learn
Builders Association Governmental Affairs Committee
Job Access Reverse Commute/ New Freedom Workshop – West Tampa Library
Riverview Community Plan Open House
Transit Study Presentation – Tampa City Council Meeting
Transit Study Leadership Team Meeting #1 – Tampa Port Authority Board Room
Tampa Downtown Partnership Monthly Luncheon Meeting
Board of County Commissioners Town Hall Meeting – Sun City Center
Hillsborough County School Health Advisory Committee
Regional Transit Forum - Tampa International Airport
BPAC Public Workshop – Loretta Ingraham Community Center in
Carver City/ Lincoln Gardens
Transportation Improvement Program FY 2008/09 – 2012/13 ‘TIP Off’ Meeting
Transit Study Presentation – Emerge Tampa
Transit Study Citizens Team Meeting #1 – HCC Brandon Campus
Urban Land Institute Tampa Bay – Regional Visioning in Florida
Transit Study Technical Team Meeting #1
Hillsborough County Neighborhoods Conference – HCC Dale Mabry Campus
Transit Study Presentation – Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
Estimated
Participants
Date
Public Forums, Workshops, Community
Meetings & Other Participation Opportunities,
Presentations, Displays & Events
40
40
60
12
TV
10
10
14
35
35
20
28
38
22
25
18
45
28
40
8
4
50
25
40
250
20
35
35
35
8
60
50
30
80
120
120
100
70
10
12
12
25
60
15
350
35
16
03/13
03/13
03/13
03/20
03/21
03/27
03/26
03/27
03/28
03/13
04/11
04/17
04/19
04/26
04/27
05/01
05/03
05/03
05/18
05/21
05/22
05/24
06/26
06/28
07/12
07/16
07/19
07/21
07/26
08/01
08/07
08/09
08/20
08/23
08/27
08/27
08/28
09/05–07
09/07
09/10
09/20
09/24
09/24
09/28
Tampa Bay 10 LIVE NEWS – Florida State Fairgrounds
Transit Study Transit Scenarios Game Day Workshop – Florida State Fairgrounds
Transit Study Transit Scenarios Game Evening Workshop – Florida State Fairgrounds
Transit Study Transit Scenarios ‘Home’ Game - Tampa Downtown Partnership
Transit Study Transit Scenarios ‘Home’ Game – AACSB International
Transit Study Transit Scenarios ‘Home’ Game – Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce
Transit Study Transit Scenarios ‘Home’ Game – Town & Country Community Council
Transit Study Transit Scenarios ‘Home’ Game – American Institute of Architects
Transit Study Transit Scenarios ‘Home’ Game – Parkside Village Homeowners Association
Transportation Disadvantaged Legislative Day – Senate Portico, Tallahassee, FL
Flavors of Hillsborough Day – Senate Portico, Tallahassee, FL
Upper Tampa Bay Alliance
Board of County Commissioners EAR Amendment Public Hearing
Board of County Commissioners EAR Amendment Public Hearing
Transit Study Presentation – Urban Land Institute
Tampa BayCycle Proclamation Ceremony - Downtown
Environment Protection Commission Clean Air Fair – Poe Plaza Downtown
Board of County Commissioners Town Hall Meeting – Dowdell Middle School
Bike to Work Day Recruit Demo from Seminole Heights
Transit Study Leadership Team Meeting #2 – Tampa Port Authority Board Room
Transit Study Citizens Team Meeting #2/ Joint Public Transit Open House with HART –
Loretta Ingraham Center in Carver City/ Lincoln Gardens/ Westshore
Transit Study Technical Team Meeting #2
Transit Study Presentation – Tampa Chamber Economic Development Series – Ybor City
Open House for Hillsborough County EAR Amendments – Gaither High School
Open House for Hillsborough County EAR Amendments – HCC Brandon Campus
Transit Study Discussion – ‘Speak Up’ Cable Access Tampa Bay Community Network
Open House for Hillsborough County EAR Amendments – SouthShore Regional Library
Access Hillsborough 2007 @ MOSI
Open House for Hillsborough County EAR Amendments – Alonso High School
Riverview Community Plan
Temple Terrace City Council
Board of County Commissioners Town Hall Meeting – HCC Plant City
Transit Study Leadership Team Meeting #3 – Aviation Authority Board Room
Transit Study Technical Team Meeting #3
Transit Study Citizens Team Meeting #3 & Transit Concepts Public Open House @ MOSI
Transit Study Bay News 9 Coverage
ProBike/ ProWalk Florida Conference
Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association Conference Display Booth
Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association Conference Presentation
Transit Study Presentation - Planning Commission
Freight Input Planning Meeting
Transit Study Special Sneak Preview of Transit Concept for 2050 –
Leadership Team/ Citizens Team/ Technical Team Meetings #4 & Public Open House –
Channelside Cinemas
Transit Study Special Sneak Preview of Transit Concept for 2050 - Channelside Cinemas,
Bay News 9 & Fox 13 News extensive coverage
Transit Study Transit Concept for 2050 Discussion with Technical Team
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
Estimated
Participants
Date
Public Forums, Workshops, Community
Meetings & Other Participation Opportunities,
Presentations, Displays & Events
TV
65
45
30
43
30
8
10
9
50
200
10
125
125
40
30
300
100
7
48
50
10
90
50
60
TV
60
250
50
25
60
150
20
10
78
TV
25
700
80
50
16
60
TV
6
17
Estimated
Participants
Date
Public Forums, Workshops, Community
Meetings & Other Participation Opportunities,
Presentations, Displays & Events
Total Attendees/ Participants:
5,737+
This list is not a complete list of all public outreach activities, but contains as much accurate data that could be collected at the time of this evaluation. It does not include a count for public education via television, print, radio or through use of the MPO web sites: www.hillsboroughmpo.org
www.mpotransit.org
Throughout the MPO Transit Study, there was extensive coverage by the Tampa Tribune, the St. Pete Times and many smaller papers. These types of articles are included in the chart on page 13, some of which are posted at www.mpotransit.org under ‘About Us’ in the ‘Media Center.’ At events such as community fairs, counts were estimated not necessarily from total attendance at the event, but rather from those that visited, interacted with, or signed in at the MPO display, spoke to, or received materials from MPO or Planning Commission staff or consultants as assigned. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
18
Attendees
Participants at monthly MPO meetings and committee meetings Meetings
•
MPO Board
10
358
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
11
224
Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC)
12
313
Bicycle/ Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
10
157
BPAC Outreach Subcommittee
4
23
Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board
6
129
TDCB Evaluation Subcommittee
1
5
TDCB Grievance Subcommittee
0
0
TDCB Legislative Subcommittee
2
11
TDCB Outreach & Awareness Committee
1
5
TDCB Planning Committee
2
15
10
178
5
56
10
133
4
116
16
231
Joint Citizens Advisory Committee
4
86
Regional Geographic Information Systems (ReGIS)
3
41
111
2,081
MPO Group and/ or
Subcommittee Scheduled
Meetings
Policy Committee
Intelligent Transportation Systems Committee
Livable Roadways Committee
Chairs Coordinating Committee (CCC)
CCC Staff Director Meetings
Total MPO Meetings:
All meetings were noticed and open to the public, and each allowed for the opportunity for public comment (except ReGIS). Public hearings and adjacent regular meetings were counted as one meeting. Subcommittees of MPO committees held numerous publicly noticed meetings and received staff support, some of which may not be included in the above list. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
19
•
Persons on the MPO mailing list receiving regular agendas MPO Group and/or Subcommittee
Regularly Scheduled Meeting Distribution Lists
Receiving
agendas
Receiving
full packets
MPO Board (monthly)
104
45
Technical Advisory Committee (monthly)
38
35
Citizen’s Advisory Committee (monthly)
35
30
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (monthly)
84
27
Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (bi-monthly)
88
33
Policy Committee (monthly)
37
37
Intelligent Transportation Systems Committee (bi-monthly)
28
28
Livable Roadways Committee (bi-monthly)
45
45
Chairs Coordinating Committee (quarterly)
76
60
Joint Citizens Advisory Committee (quarterly)
32
35
567
375
Total Regular Meeting Distribution:
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
20
Comments were received from across Hillsborough County via attendance at one of the outreach events or public hearings or meetings cited in the previous section; via the MPO newsletter comment cards and the MPO web site; as well as from walk‐ins, phone‐ins, faxes or emails received. Origins of participants covered virtually every zip code in Hillsborough County. The majority of the other comments originated from the West Central Florida region that includes FDOT District 7 as well as Sarasota and Manatee counties. •
Returned comment cards distributed with newsletters and other MPO publications comments received Newsletter Comment Cards Received
Issue
Comment Card Topic
# 37 - Spring 06** &
Getting Kids to School Safely
Special School Issue**
# 38 - Autumn 06
Job Access & New Freedom
# 39 - Winter 07
No comment card included in this issue.
# 40 - Summer 07
Transit Needs & Opportunities
The Transit Center: Volume 3 Do You See a Transit Future?
Total:
** The Spring 06 and Special School Issues contained the same survey on Getting Kids to School Safely. Due to fall distribution of the Special School Issue, the comment card results for this survey are being reported in this year’s evaluation. # Received
29
20
N/A
40
42
131
In addition to the comment cards/ surveys received from the newsletter distribution, the public was encouraged to provide comments throughout the year at meetings, workshops, events or by contacting our offices via phone, email, fax, or web site. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
21
•
Verbal comments received at open forum discussions, public hearings and at any other opportunity for public interaction Public Comments at MPO Meetings,
Public Hearings, Events or Workshops
MPO Board (including Public Hearings preceding meetings)
8
Citizen’s Advisory Committee
1
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
6
Livable Roadways Committee
0
Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board
14
Joint Citizens Advisory Committee
0
Tri-County Access Plan
681
Transit Study Community Values Focus Groups
525
Includes 8 Workshops held throughout Hillsborough County
Transit Study Transit Scenarios Workshops (not including maps)
Includes Workshops at Florida State Fairgrounds & Home Games
225
Transit Study Needs & Opportunities Joint Transit Open House
150
Includes Citizens Team Meeting #2 & Public Open House
Transit Study Concepts @ MOSI
Includes Citizens Team Meeting #3 & Public Open House
Transit Concept for 2050 Theatre Preview
Includes Public & Leadership, Citizen & Technical Team Meetings #4
Transit Study Leadership Team Meetings #1, #2 & #3
Transit Study Citizens Team Meeting #1
186
110
264
85
Transit Study Technical Team Meetings #1, #2, #3 & #5
Westshore Mobility Strategy – Westshore Alliance Meeting
Total Verbal Public Comments at Meetings or Events:
180
45
2,480
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
22
Inquiry or Comment Vehicle Overview
Phone
397
Fax
1
Mail
8
Email
110
Walk In
220
Citizen Evaluation Cards
15
Newsletter Comment Cards/ Questionnaires/ Surveys
(total from table on page 21)
Verbal Public Comments
131
2,480
(total from table on page 22)
Westshore Mobility Strategy Surveys
268
Community Transportation Coordinator Evaluations
662
Transit Study Surveys from Joint Transit Open House
78
Transit Study Surveys from MOSI Open House
84
Total Public Inquiries/ Comments:
4,454
•
Inquiries and comments receipt overview The total indicated represents all comments received and inquiries that were recorded at meetings and events or in the Customer Assistance tool by staff. The actual number of customer inquiries responded to by staff is likely much higher. From paper to plasma, the MPO was in full gear with the greatest variety of public participation opportunity types over any previous year. From small, local neighborhood meetings to tri‐county regional planning meetings, there was something for everyone. Whether your concern was getting to work in another county or mapping out a brighter transit future for Hillsborough County, thousands of citizens and other stakeholders worked hand in hand with the MPO in the long range transportation planning process. Whether watching television coverage from home, visiting MOSI, or taking a seat at Channelside Cinemas, there was an opportunity to learn about the MPO Transit Study’s Transit Concept for 2050. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
23
Ongoing, dedicated support from the MPO’s committees was another way the MPO Board was able to consider important transportation planning issues from a variety of perspectives before making decisions. In combination, the committee support and extensive outreach programs into the community worked together to make the public participation process for this evaluation year an overwhelming success. •
Calls received on the MPO Event Hotline Less than a dozen messages have been left on the MPO Hotline over this review period. This line is primarily used to provide a telephone alternative to those who want to check on dates and times of MPO meetings and events. The hotline is updated each month with a full listing of our meetings for each respective month. The hotline is an extremely low cost outreach tool, making it worthwhile even though the number of incoming calls cannot be tracked and the number of messages left is low. •
Visitors to the MPO web sites and MPO documents, plans and reports available on the web sites The MPO continues to include the web site address (www.hillsboroughmpo.org) in all materials that are distributed to the public. On the newsletters, brochures and other materials like BPAC’s reflective blinkers, the web address is prominently placed. The web address also appears in the caption bar on all MPO HTV22 broadcasts since July of 2004. In addition this year, a new web site (www.mpotransit.org) was developed to track the development of the MPO Transit Study’s Transit Concept for 2050 and offer another platform for active public participation in the study. This address was placed on all ads and materials developed for the transit study. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
24
Usage of the MPO web site, www.hillsboroughmpo.org, has continued to grow steadily over the last several years. In January 2006, the site’s content management system was changed to align with the Planning Commission’s content management system of choice, Plone. Plone combines statistics for all of the Planning Commission web sites, giving us limited ability to capture statistics exclusive to the MPO site. The transit study web site was created using the Plone content management system as well. In April of this past year, Google Analytics were applied; so that in the next evaluation year, there will be statistics for both sites for the entire year. Even with the limited data, some points of interest still emerged: • For www.mpotransit.org, site visits peaked around major public outreach events
and news coverage. The majority of page views were under ‘Get Involved’ –
where meetings and materials from those meetings are displayed; ‘The Study’ –
where presentations and products of the study are displayed; and the ‘Media Center’ –
where press releases, Transit Centers, and related articles are stored.
• For www.hillsboroughmpo.org, site pages or documents consistently appearing
among the top visited include the MPO Newsletters, MPO Calendar, MPO Meeting
Agendas, What’s Happening/ Current Projects, the 2025 Long Range Transportation
Plan (especially the LRTP Maps), the Transportation Improvement Program,
the Ride Guide: Your Guide to Getting a Ride in Hillsborough County and the
Bicycle Suitability Map.
• Use of www.hillsboroughmpo.org appears to be on pace to have doubled over
the last three years. This will have to be verified when the full term Google Analytics
are available next year.
Spanish translation pages were added to www.hillsboroughmpo.org this year. Thus far, hits on these pages as indicated by Google Analytics are sparse. •
Documents & Maps Available on the MPO Web Site Total Number of Documents & Maps Available on the MPO Web Sites
Meeting Packets
156
Maps & Documents
96
The Mobility Focus Newsletter
19
Bike Ped NEWS
18
Informational Pages & Hot-Linked Informational Sites
34
www.mpotransit.org – informational pages, documents, presentations, maps,
pamphlets, Transit Centers, news items, press releases, etc.
Total:
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
250
573
25
•
Visitors to the Planning Commission Library Visitors to the Planning Commission Library
2,633
MPO Documents Distributed by the
Planning Commission Library
345
Extra copies of MPO newsletters and brochures are distributed without being counted from the supply on display in the Planning Commission Library and in the Planning Commission lobby. The number of customers that purchase hard copy documents or compact discs by visiting the Planning Commission offices remains relatively low as the number of customers that download MPO publications for free from our web site continues to increase. Though this year, the number of hard copy or CD‐Rom version of documents more than doubled due to an increase in the number of LRTP and TIP documents that were requested in person. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
26
•
Issues identified through public input and responded to by the MPO and documented revisions to plans based on citizen input Progressive and creative public involvement strategies and techniques continue to provide a variety of forums to facilitate public input. Comments and recommendations were received in various forms, including: interpersonal communication by visiting the Planning Commission/MPO offices or at MPO meetings/workshops; written comments; phone; email; fax; and via the MPO or transit study web sites. Each year, dozens of issues have been identified through public input and responded to by the MPO. When appropriate, the MPO staff has recommended that the implementing agencies work closely with surrounding communities to address specific needs or concerns associated with future projects. During this evaluation period, extensive public outreach was conducted for two of studies in particular, the MPO Transit Study and the Tri‐County Access Plan (TCAP). By remaining committed to public participation in every phase of the planning process, the MPO worked on plans like the MPO Transit Study, producing the Transit Concept for 2050 that was literally born from public participation. Leadership, Technical and Citizens Teams, as well as the media and the general public remained well invested in every phase of the planning process. From community focus groups, to transit scenario mapping workshops, hands‐on participation was encouraged to ensure that the outcome of the planning process would meet the community’s needs and expectations. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
27
The Tri‐County Access Plan involved citizens and community stakeholders from Pinellas and Polk in addition to Hillsborough County. A cooperative effort among three Metropolitan Planning Organizations and District 7 of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), workshops were held in all three counties at different phases of the TCAP formulation. Considerations were made for the special needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities, job access and reverse commute. Also, the New Freedom funding program established by SAFETEA‐
LU to provide new public transportation services and alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was factored into the development of the plan. Two rounds of workshops with more than 225 total participants helped planners identify unmet needs and prioritize findings and recommendations. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
28
Highlights of the many issues identified through input from the public and from other agencies or legislation that affected reports or plans include: Topic/ Plan
Result
Tri-County
Access Plan
Accessibility
Evaluation
(TCAP)
Phase 1
Workshops were conducted early in the plan development process to establish the
stakeholders who could participate in the remaining phases of plan development and to
discuss issues, identify unmet needs, and begin defining opportunities to address unmet
needs. Approximately 138 private citizens, agency staff and elected officials
participated. More than 200 problems and 150 potential solutions were identified. The
top five problems that emerged from this round of workshops were:
1. Transportation services are too limited in the evenings and weekends.
2. There is a need for education on available services, various programs, and
eligibility requirements.
3. There is a need for inter-county travel for fixed-route and paratransit trips.
4. There are gaps in fixed-route service where areas have no transportation
services.
5. There is a need for shopping, recreational and employment trips on paratransit,
especially service connecting workers with employers for late evening or other
after hours shifts.
The top five solutions that emerged from this round of workshops were:
1. Create and implement a self-directed voucher program.
2. Obtain and allocate more funding to public transportation.
3. Create better coordination and communication among the agency service
providers to implement cross-county services.
4. Consolidate information databases into a central location where users and agency
representatives can go to view transportation programs and their eligibility
requirements. All information should be available on a user-friendly web site and
should include contact telephone numbers for all services in the tri-county area.
5. Increase fixed-route and paratransit services.
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
29
Topic/ Plan
Result
Tri-County
Access Plan
Accessibility
Evaluation
(TCAP)
Phase 2
Workshops were facilitated later in the plan development to confirm critical issues, define
preliminary priorities, and react to the draft project prioritization process. Approximately
89 private citizens, agency staff, private and public transportation providers, human
service agencies, and local elected officials participated. The 3 highest priority projects
recommended to resolve gaps included a self-directed voucher program, circulator or
flex routes, and cross-county service. The medium priority projects included a one-stop
information center, volunteer based transportation services and education programs.
2025 Long Range
Transportation Plan
(LRTP)
Amended –
October 2006
A Public Hearing was held prior to the October 2006 MPO Board meeting to amend the
LRTP to include the widening of Veterans Expressway to 8 lanes and the addition of an
interchange at Lutz Lake Fern Road at the request of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise.
MPO committees supported this amendment with some concerns as follows:
Policy – concern about all electronic toll collection
Citizens Advisory – wanted the project to be more forward thinking and provide
for future elevated lanes and fixed-guideway transit.
TDCB Design Review Subcommittee – had comments relating to design, off-road
trail, public transit and accommodations for the transportation disadvantaged.
BPAC – sent letter to the Turnpike expressing the need to provide for transit,
high occupancy vehicles lanes and multi-use trails.
Livable Roadways – asked that the design to the interchange support pedestrian
safety, include bicycle paths and trail connectivity, ADA accessibility and transit.
A citizen also spoke at this public hearing in support of this amendment.
A Public Hearing was held to amend the LRTP in June 2007 to comply with federal
2025 Long Range
Transportation Plan SAFETEA-LU regulations and to add five roadway projects to the cost affordable plan at
(LRTP)
the request of the Hillsborough County:
Amended –
Widen to 4 lanes from Bloomingdale Ave to Fishhawk Blvd
June 2007
Bell Shoals Rd
(& remove this portion of Bell Shoals Rd from the Constrained Roads list)
Westshore Mobility
Strategy
Columbus Dr extension
Construct new 4 lane road from Falkenburg Rd to east of US 301
Fishhawk Blvd
Widen to 4 lanes from Bell Shoals Rd to Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Widen to 4 lanes from Bloomingdale to Lithia Ridge/ Adelaide
Race Track Rd
Widen to 4 lanes from Countryway/ Nine Eagles to S Mobley
A mail and email survey of Westshore residents and workers was conducted to better
understand which transportation investments would best serve their needs. 268
responses were received. The results showed that additional transit service was needed
both at specific locations and at specific times of the day. These results helped
formulate some of the recommended strategies. Approximately 25 agency comments
were received, a few of which resulted in strategies being added or removed.
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
30
Topic/ Plan
Result
MPO Transit Study - A series of focus groups were held in November and December of 2006 to identify
Community Values community values and set the foundation for the MPO Transit Study. The focus groups
Focus Groups
were held with choices of afternoon or evening hours in eight locations around the
county: Brandon, SouthShore, Lutz, Town & Country, West Tampa, East Tampa,
Temple Terrace/ USF, and Plant City. More than 270 people participated, generating
more than 500 comments indicative of the diversity in values and key issues with
common themes emerging as well. Value statements like the ones below evolved into
the guiding concepts for the Transit Concept for 2050 that addresses the public’s
wanting:
•
•
•
•
•
•
More quality time spent with family and friends, and less time in traffic.
More reliable travel times.
A growing economy not choked by gridlock.
To grow small towns and save open space rather than sprawling everywhere.
To feel safe on their streets without traffic cutting through neighborhoods.
Goods, services and jobs to be more accessible, especially for those that don’t or
can’t drive.
MPO Transit Study - In March, more than 240 citizens and planners worked side-by-side in Transit Scenario
Transit Scenarios
Workshops conducted in both the afternoon and evening at the Florida State
Workshops
Fairgrounds or in ‘home game’ workshops, generating maps that identified needs,
preferences, and hundreds of comments. These maps and comments became an
integral component of the development of transit opportunities. Hands-on citizen and
inter-agency involvement actually shaped what ultimately will become the MPO’s Transit
Concept for 2050.
MPO Transit Study –
Needs &
Opportunities
Workshop/
Joint Transit Open
House with HART
In May, more than 50 people attended a Joint Transit Open House with HART, providing
more than 150 comments and 78 completed surveys on transit needs and opportunities.
The comments reflected support for the MPO Transit Study and the potential transit
future for Hillsborough County. The Needs & Opportunities comments and consolidated
map would contribute to the data used to produce the viable transit concept alternatives.
MPO Transit Study – In August, 78 people participated in an Open House providing 186 comments and
Concepts Open
completed surveys regarding transit concepts and how different concepts can influence
House @ MOSI
how growth may occur in future. This critical feedback was used to help determine the
combination of transit technologies that went into the final recommended Transit
Concept for 2050.
MPO Transit Study –
‘A Transit System
We Desire’ Sneak
Preview @
Channelside
Cinemas
In September, more than 60 citizens, stakeholders, elected officials and agency staff
saw a sneak preview of the Transit Concept for 2050, the comprehensive
recommendation resulting from the MPO Transit Study. There were 110 comments
made by the audience or directly to staff at the Open House portion of the event.
Feedback was used to finalize the plan and identify key issues before final presentation
to the MPO Board.
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
31
Topic/ Plan
Result
MPO Transit Study Leadership Team
Citizens Team
Technical Team
The MPO Transit Study enjoyed amazing support from the Leadership, Citizens and
Technical Teams throughout the study. At key points throughout the process, members
of these teams gathered to watch presentations on the study status and give feedback
and provide focus to move the study forward.
• Local elected officials and community leaders worked alongside members of our
legislative delegation on the Leadership Team. Attending 4 meetings and providing
264 comments, questions and suggestions, they guided the path of the transit study,
also playing a vital role involving the business community and other organizations in
visioning a brighter transit future for Hillsborough County.
• Interested citizen volunteers served on the Citizens Team as a sounding board for
transit study ideas and public involvement methods at 1 special workshop and 3 joint
meetings. At the special Workshop in February, about 25 people gathered to preview
the upcoming Transit Scenarios Workshop planning exercise. Five maps were
produced and more than 85 comments were received. Maps from this Citizens Team
meeting provided early transit needs data and the comments were used to revamp
the Transit Scenarios Workshops that would later take place at the Florida State
Fairgrounds. This ‘dry run’ of the upcoming larger workshops and ‘home games’
made a huge impact on the success of the public participation in this study.
• The Technical Team was comprised of representatives and planners from
government and implementing agencies. In 4 meetings and 1 joint meeting, they
provided 180 comments, giving perspective and detailed technical feedback on the
combination of transit technologies being considered.
Transportation
Disadvantaged
Service Plan
(TDSP)
The Planning Subcommittee of the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board
(TDCB) conducted a minor update of the required elements of the 2006 to 2010 TDSP
including the goals and objectives and operational policies. The Planning Subcommittee
is chaired by a citizen member and supported by citizen and agency representatives
representing the TD population. The committee focused this year on updating the 3-year
operational and procurement plan.
Community
Transportation
Coordinator
Evaluation
for FY 2005/06
More than 2,700 Spanish & English questionnaires were distributed to Sunshine Line
clients who receive bus passes or door-to-door service. More than 20% of the clients
responded. These client responses helped the Transportation Disadvantaged
Coordinating Board members formulate recommendations for improvements to service.
Freight Stakeholders Discussed how a working committee could exist on an ongoing basis and concluded that
Meeting
a regional freight committee approach would be most effective.
In response to actions of its volunteer advisory committees, MPO staff members conduct
Staff Support for
Advisory Committee research, draft language for consideration, prepare presentations and distribute letters,
Initiatives
among other tasks.
•
Percentage of public inquiries responded to within 1 working day Excellent customer service is a priority for the MPO staff. In recognition that information regarding MPO plans is very important to our customers, virtually all public inquiries are responded to within one working day. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
32
•
Periodic public involvement process surveys No special public involvement surveys were conducted during this period; however comment cards were made available upon exit at public meetings throughout this measurement period. Also, email recipients of the MPO newsletters are always invited to respond back with comments or suggestions whether or not there is a formal comment card. The MPO web site has a special prompt to email public comments, and the hotline is available for recorded comment 24/ 7. •
Update the Public Participation Plan as part of the LRTP Update cycle The current Public Participation Plan was revised and adopted in January 2006. This report will be one tool used in future updates of the MPO’s public involvement process. Other important methods that will be used during an update include comments from the general public, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Committee Citizens Advisory (CAC), and Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), any recommendations made during MPO certification reviews, as well as incorporating the benefits of new technology as it is introduced to the agency. To be updated in the next year as part of the next LRTP Update process, the Public Participation Plan will be available for public review and comment at least 45 days prior to its adoption by the MPO. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
33
•
Follow up on recommendations from the last Measures of Effectiveness report The last MPO Measures of Effectiveness report reflected the period of July 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. The recommendations from that report and what has transpired since then are listed below: 9
Continue cooperative efforts with the Planning Commission and with the
Chairs Coordinating Committee.
Partnering with the Planning Commission and the Chairs Coordinating Committee continues to be a priority, so that MPO planning and public participation efforts are closely tied with both comprehensive land use planning and regional transportation planning. The MPO web site offers direct links to the Planning Commission and CCC web sites, and each of their web sites link to the MPO web site. 9 Continue efforts to increase use of roadside meeting
notices for community or area-wide meetings.
During this evaluation period, roadside signs and banners were used at several meetings, including those for the MPO Transit Study and the Tri‐County Access Plan. The signage was not the main advertisement for the event; rather it directed people to the specific location once they were in the general vicinity. Also, it did encourage some walk‐ins that had not seen previous notices. Several six foot long vinyl banners were purchased with the transit study logo and the MPO logo on them. These highly visible, sturdy banners were a very effective tool as directional signage, advertised the transit study web site address, and made a great backdrop for MPO displays or news cameras at events. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
34
9 Promote the utilization of event evaluation cards at outreach events.
This has been implemented and continues on an ongoing basis and over the next year as we embark on the LRTP Update public participation opportunities. An excellent example from this past year’s MPO Transit Study outreach, feedback from our Citizens Team literally reshaped how the Transit Scenarios Public Workshops and ‘home game’ opportunities were carried forward. 9 Continue to augment and populate the web site, and provide Spanish
translation as planned.
The MPO web site continues to evolve within the Planning Commission’s Plone system. Improved tracking statistics will be available for the next evaluation year. Spanish pages were implemented on the MPO web site during the past year. And, an additional MPO web site was created and populated with information dedicated to transit and the MPO Transit Study. 9 Explore coverage of MPO committee meetings, especially Citizens Advisory
Committee (CAC), on HTV22 or via live streaming
on the MPO web site.
Technology has been investigated for live streaming and may be implemented into the Plone system in future updates. At the current time, hosting live‐
streaming could be taxing to our server resources. HTV22 has indicated that they are currently covering the maximum number of public meetings that they can accommodate. This issue will be re‐explored should the situation change. 9 Continue efforts to achieve citizen representation
that reflects the population of Hillsborough
County, including active pursuit of additional
Hispanic representation on the CAC and other
MPO advisory committees.
In the past year, not only were several personal invitations to apply for the CAC sent out to Hispanic community leaders, but also, the MPO placed advertisements for volunteers in the TBT and LaGaceta. This effort will continue until reflective representation is achieved. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
35
9 Continue to focus on increasing public
participation efforts with minorities, low-income
individuals,
and
the
transportation
disadvantaged, as well as in the southern
portion of Hillsborough County.
As indicated throughout this report, this has been implemented and will continue on an ongoing basis. An outstanding example of this implementation in the past year is the Tri‐County Access Plan public workshop series. The south county area was visited several times throughout the year with participation opportunities (see the full list of meetings, workshops, focus groups and events on page 15 in this report). 9 Produce materials on an ongoing basis that will assist the public in the use
and understanding of the reports and studies being generated by the MPO in
an effort to build awareness, consensus and encourage involvement in the
long range transportation planning process.
This has been implemented and will continue on an ongoing basis. Documents like the Ride Guide: Your Guide to Getting a Ride in Hillsborough County, the Bicycle Suitability Map and The Mobility Focus newsletters are great examples of this practice in action. Striving to provide user‐friendly information that is available in a variety of media and formats remains a top priority, serving as an open invitation to public participation. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
36
The strategies formulated in the MPO’s Public Participation Plan have provided for timely public notice, complete access to information, and supported early and continuing involvement of the community. As we gear up for the upcoming 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan Update, this past evaluation period has been a ‘winning season’ on many fronts. The MPO Board and staff pride themselves on assuring that citizens have the opportunity to express their opinions and participate in every phase of the planning process. Areas of particular success during this review period include the wide variety of outreach style and location opportunities available to the public and the effective use of the media to educate the public and to encourage involvement in every phase of the planning process. Workshops, focus groups, meetings and other events were held throughout the county in a variety of venues, big and small. From large, central public venues like the Channelside Cinemas, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Florida State Fairgrounds to more remote locations around the county like the SouthShore Regional Library, the Lutz Community Center and the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the MPO was there. “Home games” were made available for those that wanted to participate in the Transit Scenarios Workshops but were unable to do so. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
37
Media played a big role in this year’s success story as well. Advertisements and public service announcements included television and the use of the free TBT. Both the Tampa Tribune and the St. Pete Times covered the MPO Transit Study very closely, as well as many other issued handled by the MPO this year. Columnists let the public know about upcoming meetings and then followed up with what was covered at those meetings. Television and radio news tracked the transit story and others as well. The MPO was able to let the media tell our story by providing attractive information packages and having plenty of citizens, planners, community leaders and elected officials available for interviews. The MPO Board and staff receive so much support from so many citizen volunteers who attend various workshops, focus groups and public hearings. We are especially grateful to the citizens who give so much of their personal time to meet monthly, and sometimes weekly or even daily, for the 111+ board and committee meetings that we held during this evaluation period. The MPO Board relies heavily on their input before making crucial decisions for Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City and Hillsborough County. Above and beyond these advisory committee meetings, our dedicated volunteers carried the torch for inclusivity and sustainability in long range transportation planning throughout the local community and all the way to Tallahassee. PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
38
The MPO continues to focus on providing newsletters, web site and other informational materials that are appealing, user‐friendly and accessible by all citizens in Hillsborough County, being inclusive of the transportation disadvantaged in every phase of the planning process. Recommendations to further enhance our public participation program: 9 Revise and implement public participation
and publications logs to facilitate a more
accurate inventory of MPO efforts.
9 Develop a process to tie the public participation data to reminder notices that
will accompany weekly ACTS time sheet reporting of activities for each
respective week.
9 Write the next Public Participation Plan in a more
user-friendly format, further researching and
incorporating best public participation practices from
other MPOs and similar organizations throughout the
country.
9 Revise and update the Citizens Guide to further enhance its practical
educational value and encourage public participation in the long range
transportation planning process.
9 Continue cooperative efforts with the Planning
Commission and with the Chairs
Coordinating Committee to promote
integration of land use planning and
regional perspective in the long range
transportation planning process.
9 Maintain a strong partnership with the Tampa Bay
Area Regional Transportation Authority, focusing on
bringing
Hillsborough
County perspective to
the regional plans being
considered.
9 Continue efforts to achieve citizen representation
that reflects the population of Hillsborough County,
including active pursuit of additional Hispanic
representation on the CAC and other MPO
advisory committees.
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
39
9 Continue to focus on increasing public participation efforts with minorities,
low-income individuals, and the transportation disadvantaged, as well as in
the southern portion of Hillsborough
County.
9 Produce materials on an ongoing basis
that will assist the public in the use and
understanding of the reports and studies
being generated by the MPO in
an effort to build awareness,
consensus
and
encourage
involvement in the long range
transportation planning process.
PPP Measures of Effectiveness Report 10/01/06 – 09/30/07
40