TITLE: Title
Presentation on the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Alternatives Analysis
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is for the Town Council to receive a presentation on the development of the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan with a focus on the alternative analysis. Andy Henry, Senior Transportation Planner with the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) will make the presentation.
body
DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Zachary Hallock, Transportation Planner, 919-918-7329, zhallock@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:zhallock@townofcarrboro.org>; Tina Moon, Planning Administrator, 919-918-7325, cmoon@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:cmoon@townofcarrboro.org>; Trish McGuire, Planning Director, 919-918-7327, pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org>; Andy Henry, Senior Transportation Planner, DCHC MPO, 919-560-4366 ext. 36419, andrew.henry@durhamnc.gov <mailto:andrew.henry@durhamnc.gov>
INFORMATION: The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) is in the process of developing the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) to guide transportation investment during the next thirty years. The development of an MTP is a federal requirement for regional transportation organizations and is updated with a new plan every five years. The DCHC MPO area includes all of Durham County, a portion of Orange County including the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough, and northeast Chatham County. The 2050 MTP is being prepared in partnership with the Capital Area MPO (CAMPO) which covers Wake County, and portions of Granville, Franklin, Johnston and Harnett counties. The 2050 MTP Goals and Objectives, which were adopted by both the MPO and CAMPO boards in 2020, can be found as Attachment B.
More information about the DCHC MPO and the MPO planning process can be found in Attachment C and on the DCHC MPO website (DCHC MPO - 2050 MTP <https://www.dchcmpo.org/who-we-are/overview>).
Once transportation goals, objectives, and targets for the region are defined, socioeconomic data is reviewed to understand future population and employment changes. Then a deficiency analysis and needs assessment is completed to determine where investment is needed based on different scenarios. Potential needs are based on the anticipated growth using existing transportation networks, and transportation projects that are committed but are not yet completed (referred to Existing plus Committed or E + C). During the alternative analysis step, future scenario are considered taking into account a combination of infrastructure investment and potential land use development-such as “moderate development” or “aspirational with enhanced transit.” Potential alternatives are analyzed and a preferred option selected. The preferred option is then used to develop the list of transportation improvement projects. While the modeling aspects of the MTP analysis helps inform where infrastructure improvements may be warranted, the selection of projects is guided by local policy.
The DCHC MPO is currently seeking feedback from the member jurisdictions in preparation for selecting a preferred alternative. Three (3) alternatives demonstrating potential futures for the Triangle region's transportation system were developed and modeled. Each scenario has been evaluated against performance measures tied to a set of eight (8) goals which were approved by both the DCHC MPO Board and CAMPO Board in 2020 (Attachment B). The three alternatives are outlined below.
1. Plans and Trends - A ‘business-as usual’ scenario which distributes 2050 projections of population and employment based on existing land use plans and makes transportation improvements based on the 2045 MTP.
2. Shared Leadership - This scenario increases the intensity and mix of land uses at major employment hubs and travel corridors, as well as assuming increased funding for transit facilities and services, with a few roadway improvements.
3. All Together - An equity focused scenario that increases the intensity and mix of land uses at major employment hubs and travel corridors and focuses on creating links for minority, low-income, and zero-car households to jobs. Transportation improvements are more focus on walking and biking facilities plus transit services in major corridors, with fewer roadway capacity improvements.
This phase of the plan was released for public comment on July 29th, and will be open for comment through September 15th. The public engagement activities that have been conducted so far are outlined below. The Town has been providing updates on the MTP and opportunities for public engagement via news releases on the Town’s website and other forms of social media.
• Project webpage: see alternatives Tab at DCHC MPO - 2050 MTP <https://www.dchcmpo.org/what-we-do/programs-plans/transportation-plans/2050-metropolitan-transportation-plan>
• Project survey: DCHC MPO - 2050 MTP Survey <https://publicinput.com/Triangle2050Plan>
• Online workshops (Jointly with CAMPO) held on 8/19 at Noon and 4:30pm
• Presentations to local boards and commissions
• Public hearing at September 1st DCHC MPO Board meeting. More info can be found at: DCHC MPO Board Meeting - 9/1/2021 <https://dchcmpo.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=821709&GUID=B7E642E7-6FE9-4E18-AC4B-1EBD069561F8&Options=&Search>
• In-person pop-ups (in development)
• Four focus groups for MPO targeted communities of concern
• Distribution of information via Town of Carrboro social media platforms
• Other notifications via DCHC MPO email service, public affairs notices, and social media
Based on the current schedule, the MPO staff anticipates adopting a preferred alternative sometime in October 2021, and adopting the 2050 MTP in January 2022. The major project milestones in 2050 MTP are outlined below:
• September 2020 - DCHC MPO Board adopts 2050 MTP goals and objectives
• April 2021 - Deficiency analysis & needs assessment
• July/August 2021 - Alternatives analysis
• October 2021 - Preferred alternative
• January 2022 - Adoption of 2050 MTP & air quality conformity
• February 21, 2022 - Deadline for adoption of 2050 MTP per federal requirements.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: There are no impacts associated with receiving the presentation.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Town Council consider the resolution provided (Attachment A) receiving the presentation and providing comments as may be desired.