May 2020
Latest News from MVRPC
In order to assist our members, the MVRPC team created a list of COVID-19 related funding opportunities on the MVRPC website. The list will be updated regularly with information on new resources that may be valuable to you.

The COVID-19 Grant section of website now features the current funding opportunities:

  • Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (Nationwide)
  • Assistance to Firefighters Grant-COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S)
  • Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program (DLT)
  • New Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance
  • Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grants
  • COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund (Delta Dental)
  • Miami County COVID-19 Emergency Grant Application Program Spring 2020
  • Dayton Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton
 
In addition, the Greater Ohio Policy Center has also put together a nice handbook of information and resources for local governments organized by topic (utilities, housing, etc) in relation to COVID-19. https://www.greaterohio.org/covid19-relief

If you need assistance with your grant pursuit or further research, please contact Kathryn Youra Polk, Senior Planner, at 937.223.6323 or kyoura.polk@mvrpc.org.  
Census Response Rates by Community
Are you wondering how census response rates for your community compare to national, state and local rates? The MVRPC Census team created a quick overview of response rates by Miami Valley community as of May 6, 2020. This information comes from the census bureau and they update the response rates each afternoon. Use the buttons below to explore more.
Rideshare Program Needs Your Help to Update Signs
MVRPC’s Rideshare Program is working to update Program information signs around the Region. For example, this sign is located on Third Street. If you have one in your jurisdiction that needs updated or if you have a location for a new sign to help promote carpooling and vanpooling, please contact Laura Henry, Lhenry@mvrpc.org or call 937.531.6542.
MVRPC's Partners with Five Rivers MetroParks to promote Bike Month
MVRPC's Rideshare Program has partnered with Five Rivers MetroParks to present Bike Month. Due to the pandemic, Bike Month during the month of May will be celebrated virtually. Cyclists are encouraged to participate in weekly games and challenges. Visit the Bike Month Homepage or join the 2020 Virtual Bike Month Facebook Group to participate.
MiamiValleyRoads.org Features Construction Updates to Ease Commutes 
Our Miami Valley roadways are essential corridors that link our neighborhoods, workplaces and spaces we go to enjoy the bountiful amenities in our Region. The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) recently launched a new single-site online resource to help inform drivers in all of our communities about ways to make getting wherever they are going a little bit easier.

The new www.MiamiValleyRoads.org website features all of the latest updates on major highway construction projects, bridge replacements and road construction detours throughout the Region. It also provides user-friendly access to route planning tools, ridesharing resources and other ideas to reduce congestion and prevent air pollution.

Construction is now underway in Greene County where ODOT will construct two new, innovative intersections called Superstreet in an effort to improve congestion and safety at the intersections of U.S. 35 at Factory Road and U.S. 35 at Orchard Lane.
A superstreet is a non-traditional, signalized intersection that can provide more capacity than a traditional intersection. Traffic movements in superstreet intersections prohibit side-street (minor cross-street) traffic to turn left or go straight through the mainline intersection. Instead, motorists will turn right and do a legal U-turn at a nearby one-way, signalized median crossover to follow their desired path. By allowing for a more efficient movement of traffic, superstreets reduce congestion, cut down on delays and limit collision opportunities.

Funding for the $14.9 million project has been made available from partners including Ohio Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, MVRPC, Beavercreek Township, Greene County, and city of Beavercreek. Construction will continue through 2022.

You can rely on www.MiamiValleyRoads.org to be the go-to source for full details and the most recent updates on these projects, including great ways that you can adjust your commute to save time, money and stress.
MVRPC Assists Greene County with Future Land Use Plan Update
MVRPC is assisting the Regional Planning and Coordinating Commission of Greene County (RPCC) with an update to their future land use plan, Perspectives 2040. Perspectives 2040 is a policy document that will provide guidance on where and how land should be used in the future.

On March 3, 2020, the project officially got underway when the Perspectives 2040 Project Steering Committee met. During the meeting, Steering Committee members participated in several exercises to get them thinking about the future of Greene County. A Community Kick-Off Open House was scheduled, but has been postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the public is invited to participate in a Virtual Open House . 

In the coming months, MVRPC and RPCC staff will continue to work with the Steering Committee and public to evaluate goals and priorities and develop place-based strategies to guide development in Greene County for the next 20 years.
MVRPC Welcomes New Transit Coordination Planner
Serena Anderson joined the MVRPC team on April 1, 2020 as our new Transit Coordination Planner. Serena brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles as a Campus Planner at Ohio University, a military installation planner, a logistics planner and time overseas as a Peace Corps Reservist.

As MVRPC's Transit Coordination Planner, Serena will oversee various transit programs, the Human Services Transportation Council, and she will lead the creation of the Age-Friendly Communities focus of the Institute for Livable and Equitable Communities.
MVRPC Adjusting Marketing and Program Outreach
as Result of COVID Pandemic
As many of you are doing in your own communities, MVRPC is re-aligning the messaging for many of our programs and suspending others because of the COVID Pandemic. 

Because large gatherings such as concerts, festivals and athletic events are on hold, we will not run our “Drive Less, Live More” campaign for the summer of 2020. 

As we celebrate Air Quality Awareness week and head in to what is typically air pollution advisory season, we are focusing our campaigns on individual actions to reduce pollution rather than those centered primarily on vehicle emissions. 

We have also reformatted our Rideshare campaign (video above) to remove the visuals of large groups of riders in a single vehicle, and adjusted our messaging to encourage planning now for when we can all ride together again safely.  We continue to update information on our website and social media with all of the latest guidance and developments on impact to these programs.

We also want to share the latest video released by Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority. This video is a powerful snapshot of the Region during this time and expresses thanks to the staff for continuing to keep residents moving.
Miami Valley Trails Offer Place to Get Out
While Maintaining Social Distancing
Public open spaces and trails remain open in Ohio and can serve as welcome opportunities for people to get outdoors and experience the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity. It is very possible to go to a park or spend time on the Miami Valley Trails and still maintain the recommended six feet separation from others out there with you. Data from the Miami Conservancy District and Five Rivers MetroParks indicates that residents of the Miami Valley are doing just that.

MVRPC requested and reviewed trail counter data from March 2020 and compared it to data from March 2019 to find out if there has been an increase in traffic on the trails as stay-at-home orders and business closures reduce our daily activity options. Data provided by MCD and Five Rivers show increases in trail use by over 100 percent (more than doubling) in Franklin, Miamisburg, West Carrollton, Riverside, and Englewood. Increases of 20 to 60 percent were found at multiple locations in Dayton.

This fits a pattern seen elsewhere. Rails-to-Trails have reported a spike in trail use in areas from coast to coast. Tri-State Trails sees a similar pattern in the Cincinnati region . Many communities are looking to limit motor traffic and open streets to biking and walking to make more space for physical activity for their residents. Here is a list of communities that have taken this step. MVRPC is ready to work with your community to plan and create great spaces for your residents to get outside safely.
MVRPC  Promoted National Air Quality Awareness Week May 4-8, 2020
MVRPC promoted National Air Quality Awareness Week, May 4 – May 8, 2020, in partnership with the U.S. EPA and Air Now, to promote this year’s theme Better Air, Better Health . Search the hashtags #AQAW2020 and #ItAllAddsUptoCleanerAir on MVRPC’s Facebook and Twitter pages to view messages about how to stay aware of air pollution levels and how to be more mindful of your own contributions to air pollution. Visit MiamiValleyAir.org for more information.
MVRPC Tours National Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Center
at Sinclair Community College
On March 13, 2020, prior to the COVID-19 Stay at Home Order, MVRPC staff visited the National Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Center at Sinclair Community College to tour the facility and to learn more about their programs.
 
The National Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Center has been at the forefront of UAS innovation since 2008, creating partnerships, developing leading curriculum, and investing significantly to establish a nationally prominent program.

As a GIS leader in the region, MVRPC is looking forward to collaborating with Sinclair Community College to bring UAS and GIS together.

Spotlight on Member Resources
Grants and Funding Resources
On a monthly basis, MVRPC highlights several funding opportunities on our website that could benefit our member communities. We include a description, contact information and program links. We have also listed other valuable resources for finding funding opportunities.

This month we are featuring information on:  
  • Innovations in Community-Based Crime Reduction Program – Deadline: June 11, 2020
  • Municipal Bridge Program –Deadline: August 15, 2020

If you need assistance with your grant pursuit or further research, please contact Kathryn Youra Polk, Senior Planner, at 937.223.6323 or kyoura.polk@mvrpc.org .  
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Most meetings are being cancelled or shifted to teleconference. Please check the agency calendar on mvrpc.org or contact Teresa to find out the status of your meeting. All upcoming TAC and Board meetings will be on Zoom.

May 21, 2020 - 9:30 a.m.     
MVRPC Technical Advisory Committee
Via Teleconference

June 4, 2020 - 8:30 a.m.      
MVRPC Executive Committee
Via Teleconference

June 4, 2020 - 9:00 a.m.      
MVRPC Board of Directors Meeting
Via Teleconference
937.223.6323 | mvrpc.org