Two statewide transportation efforts are coming together for a stronger impact.
The Missouri Transportation Task Force Advisory Committee is teaming up with the Missouri Complete Streets Advisory Committee to champion better transportation and safer streets for all Missourians.
This new collaboration unites two groups with a shared vision: making Missouri’s communities more connected and accessible, regardless of one’s age or ability level. The Missouri Complete Streets Advisory Committee will now host the Missouri Transportation Task Force Advisory Committee as a Missouri Complete Streets’ work group, allowing for an in-depth continuation of the Missouri Transportation Task Force’s focus on mobility management and shared coordination on statewide multimodal transportation issues.
Both the Missouri Transportation Task Force and Missouri Complete Streets have long focused on improving transportation through local partnerships, statewide coordination and public engagement. Now, by working together, they aim to elevate those efforts and speak with a unified voice while avoiding duplication.
“In recent years, Missouri Transportation Task Force has participated in conferences, summits and work groups centered around transportation challenges,” said Ed Thomas of Camden County Developmental Disability Resources and a Missouri Transportation Task Force Advisory Committee representative. “A common theme always emerges. There is real power in collaboration. Many grassroots efforts are happening across the state, and it just makes sense to bring them under one umbrella to amplify our message and impact. Missouri Complete Streets is a natural fit.”
Formed in 2010, the Missouri Complete Streets Advisory Committee is a public-private partnership that includes state and local agencies, private organizations and engaged citizens. The committee works to ensure that all Missouri’s vulnerable road users have access to safe and reliable transportation options. Its ‘Complete Streets’ approach emphasizes active transportation and recognizes the connection between infrastructure, public health and economic development.
The Missouri Complete Streets Advisory Committee strives to achieve its vision and mission by:
• Supporting investment in Complete Streets infrastructure projects and staff;
• Educating key influencers, decision makers and community members about the importance of supporting active transportation;
• Using active transportation as a key strategy in addressing major issues, such as promoting access to healthy food and employment; and
• Making active transportation a central focus of the state’s identity, its pitch to businesses, and its efforts to collaborate with neighboring states.
“The Missouri Transportation Task Force Advisory Committee’s work, such as the Missouri Mobility Management Initiative, complements our mission perfectly,” said Jackson Hotaling of Missourians for Responsible Transportation and a Missouri Complete Streets Advisory Committee representative. “Bringing together public transit and active transportation strategies under one banner makes sense and will help us reach more communities with stronger, more coordinated support.”
This partnership marks an important step forward in creating a safer, healthier and more vibrant Missouri where streets are designed for everyone, and statewide transportation planning reflects the needs of all people.
