Congratulations to Our Award Winners |
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Miami Township Trustee, Chris Mucher receives the Arthur D. Haddad REGIONAL STEWARD AWARD
The coveted Regional Steward Award recognizes someone with an innovative spirit to solving regional challenges; someone who builds broad support toward a shared regional vision; and someone who is a regional steward promoting economic, social and environmental progress in the Miami Valley.
Leading resiliently during unprecedented times and in the face of unknown challenges as the MVRPC Chairperson during the COVID-19 Pandemic was one of the reasons why Mucher was chosen to receive this award. A believer in livable communities, Mucher has been involved in numerous organizations that contribute to improving the quality of life in Miami Township, Greene County, and in the Region. He has demonstrated leadership and commitment in working together with the region's leaders to address complex challenges. He exemplifies the highest standards of both a dedicated elected official and community volunteer for more than 20 years. Trustee Mucher was recognized as a Regional Steward during the MVRPC August 4 Board of Directors meeting.
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Rap Hankins Receives MVRPC's First REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP AWARD
During the August meeting, MVRPC presented a new award in recognition of MVRPC’s partners who are committed to collaborating with the agency, community volunteers, and other organizations to solve some of the region’s biggest problems. The Regional Partnership Award recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates these values. Together public, nonprofit, and private partners develop and implement strategies that enhance the Region’s quality of life and economic vitality. MVRPC’s partnerships with individuals, businesses, and civic and governmental organizations extend the effectiveness of the organization so that our region is successful.
Mr. Rap Hankins, a former council member for the City of Trotwood, was awarded the Regional Partnership Award. Hankins is a well-known, well-respected leader in our region. He has formed valuable partnerships through working together with MVRPC staff, jurisdictions, and other organizations to approach challenges from a regional perspective. Hankins is a champion for a regional approach and a leader for multi-jurisdictional solutions for many concerns including regional equity, disaster recovery and environment.
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MVRPC Welcomes New RTPO Members |
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Last month, ODOT and MVRPC executed the agreement required to initiate the new RTPO pilot program covering Darke, Preble and Shelby Counties. The Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) will bring considerable planning services to our non-MPO members. ODOT currently funds RTPOs across the state using their Statewide Planning and Research federal funds. As with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), RTPOs include policy and technical boards, prepare and adopt long range transportation plans, assemble transportation improvement programs, and identify crash locations. They also identify projects and programs that improve travel. |
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MVRPC welcomes the following jurisdictions as MVRPC's new RTPO members: |
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The first RTPO Stakeholder Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, August 16th at 9:30 a.m. at Dayton Realtors, 1515 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH. Membership of the RTPO Stakeholder committee will include ODOT Districts 7 & 8, counties, cities, townships, transit mobility managers, transit agencies, park districts, bicycling and other interests from the three counties. For more information, please contact Ana Ramirez aramirez@mvrpc.org.
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What the Census Tells Us About the Region |
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To learn more about the 2020 Census and to view the latest data products for the Miami Valley region visit MVRPC’s 2020 Census Resource webpage at: mvrpc.org/census-resources.
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Regional Equity Initiative Update |
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The conclusion of the Miami Valley Environmental Justice Academy this summer saw 21 participants from different corners of the region (with unique lived experiences and perspectives) graduate from the program. Graduates were educated and empowered to 1) leverage community resources towards long-term progress, 2) use consensus-building processes and skills to ensure successful collaboration, 3) increase capacity to address local environmental and public health issues, and 4) gain an understanding of environmental justice and regulations. Special thanks to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their partnership in bringing the program to the Miami Valley, and to the sponsors that provided the contributions necessary to making the program a success; they include Burgess & Niple, Inc., the Environmental Defense Fund, Key Bank, LJB Inc., The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund, and the University of Dayton. The next steps include supporting community projects being coordinated by graduates and assessing the future of how environmental justice will be approached in the Miami Valley.
The Regional Equity Initiative Subcommittee has also been engaged in strategic thinking around advancing equity throughout the Miami Valley. The Subcommittee identified the following points of emphasis to be invested into; 1) establishing region-wide participation, 2) fostering a common understanding of what “regional equity” means, and 3) facilitating intentional action and mobilizing community resources for impactful change. In addition to these focus areas, the Regional Equity Initiative continues to serve as a resource to all member counties and local entities seeking guidance and support in pursuing equity within their respective communities. This has included a revamp of what is now known as the “Regional Equity Calendar” (formerly the “Equity Events Calendar”) to ensure that the regional community is informed on available opportunities to bolster equity-based efforts.
Last but certainly not least, the Regional Equity Initiative wishes the best to Performance Strategist and Diversity Professional Mary Tyler who has transitioned out of their role as an official Subcommittee member to focus on a human rights project being pursued by the City of Dayton. In Mary’s stead, the Subcommittee has been privileged enough to welcome two new members. Courtney Rutledge with Legal Aid of Western Ohio brings a focus on justice to the Subcommittee and specific insight on environmental justice as a graduate of the Miami Valley Environmental Justice Academy. Stephanie Van Hoose is an Indigenous advocate, educator, and speaker that is actively engaged in pushing for the recognition of Indigenous identity and experience across the nation.
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Miami Valley Regional Resiliency Plan Stakeholder Workshop |
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Please register to join us on Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 9:00 am-11:30 am to kick-off the Miami Valley Regional Resiliency Plan. As the leader for long-term community recovery from the Memorial Day 2019 tornadoes, MVRPC will be hosting the first regional workshop to gather information to develop a six-county pre-disaster recovery plan. This plan will provide recommended actions for local governments, emergency responders and community organizations to take before a disaster to make the relief and response stages stronger, while enhancing the region’s resources to ensure resiliency to future hazards.
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Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Resource Workshop
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MVRPC in partnership with the Dayton Development Coalition will be hosting a CEDS Resource Workshop August 30, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. This workshop is designed to help those in the Miami Valley understand how the CEDS can be utilized to secure funding for potential projects. Federal and local representatives will be on hand to provide information regarding their programs.
For more information regarding the CEDS, please visit MVRPC’s website, mvrpc.org/ceds. The event is FREE and will be held at the Fitz Center for Community Leadership. A virtual participation option is also available. Registration is required. If you are interested in learning more about the workshop, please contact Elizabeth Baxter at ebaxter@mvrpc.org.
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Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Updates |
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This section of the Executive Director's update is dedicated to providing our members with the latest updates on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill |
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Upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcements in 2022
In order to provide stakeholders with more visibility into upcoming funding opportunities, DOT is publishing a list of anticipated dates for Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for key Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs. This list is not comprehensive and will be updated periodically with new programs and dates.
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August -
September -
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Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. In fiscal year 2022 (FY22), up to $1 billion is available. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program supports Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and the Department’s goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. EDT on September 15, 2022. For details, more information, and applicant guidance: transportation.gov/grants/SS4A
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Please join us in congratulating Laura Henry on her promotion to Director of Marketing and Public Outreach. Laura is an 8-year employee with MVRPC and she will lead our Public Outreach, Marketing, Public Involvement, Communication, Air Quality, and Rideshare programs. We thank her for her service to the agency and Miami Valley Region.
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Bike Trail Project Impacting Bike Commute Routes |
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MVRPC created MiamiValleyRoads.org to provide updates on major construction projects that could impact commutes throughout the Region. It also provides user-friendly access to route planning tools, commute solutions and other ideas to reduce congestion and prevent air pollution for the areas under construction.
Crews will be performing traffic signal upgrades at the following intersections in Montgomery County:
State Route 201 Traffic Signal Upgrade – Expect lane closures on S.R. 201 at Needmore Road and Harshman Road through Monday, October 31, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
State Route 202 Traffic Signal Upgrade – Expect lane closures on S.R. 202 (Old Troy Pike) at Needmore Road.
Woodman Drive Signal Upgrade – Expect single-lane closures at the intersection of Woodman Drive and Burkhardt Road. In addition to updating the signal, crews will be making curb ramp improvements. Traffic will be maintained in the work zone.
For a complete list of major construction projects provided by ODOT District 7 and 8 for the Region, visit MiamiValleyRoads.org. Follow MVRPC’s Facebook and Twitter pages for project update posts.
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Grants and Funding Resources |
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On a monthly basis, MVRPC is highlighting several funding opportunities for eligible cities, counties, and townships on our website that could benefit communities in the Region. We include a description, contact information, and program links. We have also listed other valuable resources for funding opportunities for our regional jurisdictions and organizations. See more at: mvrpc.org/grant-and-funding-opportunities
This month we are featuring information on:
- T-Mobile Hometown Grants – Deadline: October 1, 2022
- Reconnecting Communities Pilot Discretionary Grant Program – Deadline: October 13, 2022
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MiamiValleyGovJobs.org is a one-stop website for candidates seeking positions with a public agency in the Miami Valley. This service is provided to MVRPC member organizations and partners at no cost. Posting your positions on MiamiValleyGovJobs.org increases the visibility of your positions and expands your candidate pool. Each job post will be displayed with your organization's logo and a link to your website where candidates can find more information. To post a position with your organization, please email your posting to JobBoard@mvrpc.org.
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Upcoming Meetings and Events |
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MVRPC emails are produced through Constant Contact. We have negotiated a significantly reduced group rate for all of our MVRPC members and partners to join Constant Contact making it easy for you to offer your own customized, professional communication to your communities. You will save considerably more than you could joining the platform on your own, and even if you are already using Constant Contact, you can apply our discount to save even more. Best of all, the MVRPC communication team is here to help you get started! Visit our unique Constant Contact link or contact Laura Henry, MVRPC Director of Marketing and Public Outreach to learn more at lhenry@mvrpc.org.
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