Here is what we have been up to this summer:
- Brian Martin attended the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) Annual Conference, June 26-29, in Salt Lake City. He brought home the Medium Metro Award the agency received for the Going Places. During NARC, Brian also made a presentation on the benefits to the Miami Valley of promoting and leveraging the Nation’s Largest Paved Trail Network, National Parks, historical sites, and other tourist destinations.
- You have read press releases about many documents produced: Annual Report, interactive recreational asset map and numerous GIS data and map updates.
- Several trail map, trail project development and trail conference meetings have been held with park districts, counties, municipalities, and businesses.
- Supporting ODOT on the TRAC process including review of project applications.
- We have been reviewing and providing comments on the proposed Federal Planning Regulations (May 27) and MPO Coordination and Planning Area Reform (June 27).
- We confirmed the Region’s fiscal year 2017 transportation project and 5310 transit vehicle funding and planning work program balances to ensure a strong year 2017.
- Staff is recharged: most have been on vacation and have made their way back.
- The Village of Pleasant Hill, in Miami County, has agreed to join MVRPC as an MPO member. We look forward to learning more about the Village and learning more about their needs.
- On July 1, staff started using AccuFund, the new financial and time reporting software to log hours, pay expenses and budget.
Each month, MVRPC highlights several grant funding opportunities, on the Executive Director’s Report and our website, which can benefit member communities. On the web, you will find a description, contact information and program links found in GrantFinder, a grant seeking tool leased by MVRPC and a key first step in attracting funding for local priorities. If you need assistance with your grant pursuit or need further grant research, contact Lynn Zuch, Research Associate, at 937-223-6323 or lzuch@mvrpc.org.
This month we are featuring the following grants:
- Ohio Development Services Agency’s Local Government Innovation Program (LGIP) Grants; Deadline – September 15, 2016
- U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Safe Places to Play; Deadlines for Fall Grant Cycle - Letter of Intent (LOI) is due by September 30, 2016, Application is due October 7, 2016. Please note that the LOI’s are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and spring and summer grant cycles are offered.
More grants are at: http://www.mvrpc.org/our-vision/planning-services/grant-and-funding-opportunites
Hays Tool: A Lesson from A Stronger Hays
The City of Hays is located in northwest Kansas at the crossroads of I-70 and US Highway 183 with approximately 21,000 residents. One year ago, the city began the conversation about how to build a stronger future and featured Mr. Chuck Marohn from Strong Towns.
Mr. Marohn is not a stranger to the Miami Valley Region. He was our guest speaker at the Strong Towns: Miami Valley Edition Symposium, held in November 2013 at the Fort Piqua Plaza. During this Symposium, Mr. Marohn led the discussion about the future of the Miami Valley Region and its communities, exploring the causes of communities’ current financial challenges, their impacts on the Region, and how to regain true prosperity (visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqBHAOIt_jo for the Symposium video).
The City of Hays recently released a short document called “A Stronger Hays.” This document is impressive, yet simple. It clearly illustrates the case of City of Hays on the issue of disconnection between its growth and revenue and offers some potential solutions. I encourage you to visit www.strongerhays.com to check out this document and the video and consider these ideas for your community.
Upcoming MVRPC Meetings:
08/18/16 9:30 a.m. Technical Advisory Committee – 10 N. Ludlow St., Suite 700, Dayton, Ohio
08/23/16 9:00 a.m. HSTCC - How to Complete the 5310 Funding Application, Goodwill Easter Seals HQ - Eichelberger Conference Center – 660 South Main St., Dayton, Ohio
09/01/16 8:30 a.m. Executive Committee - 1515 S. Main St., Dayton, Ohio
09/01/16 9:00 a.m. Board of Directors – 1515 S. Main St., Dayton, Ohio
August 2016 Executive Director's Update PDF available for download