Public Feedback Invited on Two Major Long-Range Plans
Events make it convenient to provide input on both transportation and housing
DES MOINES (September 16, 2014) Now is the time for Greater Des Moines area residents to weigh in on two, long-range plans that will impact the region’s transportation and housing for decades to come. The combined opportunities will take place in Ankeny, West Des Moines and Des Moines.
Leaders for Mobilizing Tomorrow, through the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Housing Tomorrow, through the Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF), are working together and providing citizens the opportunity to provide feedback on a plan to invest millions of dollars for future transportation, as well as participate in activities that will be part of creating the first regional plan for affordable housing. The co-sponsored events are scheduled for:
- September 23, 5-7 p.m., Ankeny City Hall (Council Chambers) 410 W. First St. Ankeny
- September 24, 5-7 p.m., Westside Community Center, 134 6th St. West Des Moines
- October 2, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., DART Central Station, 620 Cherry St. Des Moines
Mobilizing Tomorrow and Housing Tomorrow support the goals and strategies laid out in The Tomorrow Plan, central Iowa’s regional plan for sustainability.
“While the stated purpose of the events is to gather input, they also do something else important – create momentum,” said Todd Ashby, Executive Director of Des Moines Area MPO. “As we wrap up public input on the transportation plan and put the housing plan in motion, it is clear this is a community committed to collaboration, coordination and the action needed for the long-term health and success of the region.”
Central Iowa is expected to grow by over 250,000 people by 2050. Moving people, not just cars is an important shift in focus, so is anticipating and having available the variety of housing needed for a growing and changing demographic.
“Housing Tomorrow will answer key questions such as, Where should new housing be built? Do we need apartments, townhomes, or single-family houses? How do housing prices match up to the income of our workforce?” said Eric Burmeister, Executive Director of PCHTF. “Imagine the far-reaching impact and benefits of quality housing options for every income level and situation – near the places people work, where children go to school and along transportation corridors. That’s the purpose of this plan.”
PCHTF is in the middle of its public input process. In addition to the joint events with MPO, PCHTF staff will also gathering input at the Urbandale Streets Alive Sept. 21; the University Avenue DSMove event Sept. 28; Valley Junction Farmers Market Oct. 2; and the Downtown Farmers Market, Oct. 4. To learn more and to sign up for the monthly eNewsletter visit www.pchtf.org.
Comments on the draft Mobilizing Tomorrow plan, which will guide the allocation of approximately $23 million in annual federal funding, will be taken until 4:00 pm on October 16, 2014. The draft plan can be viewed at www.dmampo.org/mobilizing-tomorrow. In addition to attending the upcoming events, people are also encouraged to email comments to info@dmampo.org.
Media Contacts
Todd Ashby, Executive Director, Des Moines Area MPO
(515) 334-0075 tashby@dmampo.org
Eric Burmeister, Executive Director, Polk County Housing Trust Fund
(515) 282-3233 eburmeister@pchtf.org
About MPO | The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization acts as a regional forum to ensure coordination between the public and local, state, and federal agencies in regard to planning issues and to prepare transportation plans and programs. The MPO develops both long- and short-range multimodal transportation plans, selects and approves projects for federal funding based upon regional priorities, and develops methods to reduce traffic congestion.
About PCHTF | The Polk County Housing Trust Fund is the comprehensive planning, advocacy and funding organization for Affordable Housing in Polk County Iowa. Focused around these three core activities, the Housing Trust Fund is responsible for crafting the community strategic plan for affordable housing and leading its implementation. It is also tasked with helping the community understand the need for and benefits of adequate affordable housing. Finally, the organization is responsible for allocating community funds aimed at increasing and preserving the inventory of affordable units in the County and improving the lives of the people who live in them.