DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R.P.L.S.
COUNCIL DISTRICT IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: ConnectSA
SUMMARY:
ConnectSA Tri-Chair Member Henry Cisneros will provide a briefing on the draft ConnectSA framework for modern mobility in San Antonio.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On April 10, 2018, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff announced the creation of ConnectSA, a nonprofit group established to build public awareness and support for a modern mass transit and transportation system in the San Antonio region. At the direction of the Mayor and Judge, a draft framework was to be prepared as the starting point for robust community input and should include short-term, mid-term, and long-term transportation strategies and initiatives as well as funding options. The framework document was released by ConnectSA on December 19, 2018.
ISSUE:
The ConnectSA framework builds upon recent transportation planning initiatives such as the City’s SA Tomorrow Multimodal Transportation Plan and VIA Metropolitan Transit’s (VIA) Vision 2040 Plan, as well as long range plans from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The framework presents a clear set of recommended goals and funding strategies. While significant infrastructure improvements are at the core of the framework, ConnectSA is also forward thinking and realizes using innovative technology is a key component of the transportation future. The focus of ConnectSA is clear; transport people, not cars, in a safe and efficient manner. A modern mass transit system is essential and ConnectSA proposes the implementation of an Advanced Rapid Transit network, using high capacity busses in dedicated transit lanes.
ConnectSA will work with the community to develop an effective modern mobility system. As outlined in the framework, a robust outreach effort will begin in early 2019 to seek feedback from the community. The following are suggested activities recommended in the framework in order to reach people and organizations across the community, including, but not limited to:
• Utilize San Antonio’s SASpeakUp Community engagement tools
• Community forums in each Council District and County Precinct
• Briefings with Chambers of Commerce across the region
• Outreach to elected and appointed officials, business leaders, neighborhood associations, civic groups and advocacy organizations, and social services organizations
• Meetings with transportation planning partners and advocates
• Outreach to community groups
• Online feedback mechanism
ALTERNATIVES:
This briefing is for informational purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This briefing is for informational purposes only.
RECOMMENDATION:
This briefing is for informational purposes only.