H-GAC Transportation Newsletter: March 2019
The latest news from the Houston-Galveston Area Council's Transportation Department!
Transportation Policy Council - February 22, 2019
At its February meeting, council members approved a recommendation of the TPC Nominating Committee for additional at-large nominations for the Transportation Safety Committee. The Chairman's appointment of two additional non-voting TPC Ex-Officio members, State Senator Carol Alvarado and State Representative Dennis Paul, was also approved.

In addition to the above actions by the Council, members approved a resolution supporting advancement of Segment B of the Grand Parkway in Galveston and Brazoria Counties and a resolution committing $56.5 M for construction of IH 610 S/SH35 direct connectors.

A report from the High Capacity Transit Task Force was provided by Thomas Gray, H-GAC Principal Planner, (pictured) as information to the TPC. The task force is co-chaired by City of Houston Council Member Amanda Edwards and METRO Chair, Carrin Patman.

View the Archived Meeting Livestream HERE.

What's Next for the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan?
The Houston-Galveston Area Council's transportation team is wrapping up the 2018 Call for Projects draft selection process and preparing the Draft 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. H-GAC received tremendous participation in our recent public meeting series "Transportation 101: What You Need to Know" through attendance at our public meetings, online engagement, and through the submission of public comments. The public comment period for the Draft 2045 RTP and transportation conformity will open March 19 and close on April 16. Visit 2045RTP.com.
SAVE THE DATE - March Brown Bag Lunch Series

“Integrating AV Technology with High Capacity Transit--
The Way to Create a Multimodal System Approach for the 21st Century"

Featuring Sam Lott, P.E.
Automated Mobility Services, LLC

Monday, March 25, 2019
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
H-GAC Offices, 3555 Timmons Lane
2nd Floor, Rm B
Houston, TX 77027

Watch Livestream

Bring your lunch, bring a friend, and join us! No RSVPs necessary!
Commute Solutions - A Better Way to Work!
Veronica Baxter-Lamb, H-GAC Principal Outreach Coordinator, presented transportation alternatives to the North Houston Association (NHA) at their monthly Environment Committee meeting on Feb. 7. The NHA had an opportunity to accomplish all three of its major objectives--Connect, Influence, and Educate--through H-GAC's Commute Solutions Program. The presentation showed how the Commute Solutions trip reduction program is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Environment committee members were encouraged to become involved with the Commute Solutions program by taking information back to their employer and employees. Through their participation, they can help to reduce single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel at their workplace and within their communities, thereby reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality and employees' quality of life.
 
Commute Solutions staff provides technical assistance to employers to develop a commuter benefits program for their employees, and employers receive federal income payroll tax benefits for those who participate in transit or vanpooling. Employers can also save money on overhead costs for office space and parking when they allow employees to telecommute for at least one day a week. Employees that use these transportation alternatives may also receive federal pre-tax benefits.

For more information about the Commute Solutions program, or to request assistance for your employees, visit www.findasmarterwaytowork.org or contact [email protected]. 

Livable Centers In the News!
Livable Centers are places where people can live, work, and play with less reliance on their cars. They encourage a complementary mix of land uses that are designed to be walkable, connected, and accessible by multiple modes of transportation, including bus, bike, foot or vehicle. 

H-GAC published its first Livable Centers study in 2009, and as of November 2018, 28 studies are complete. In 2019, the International Management District Livable Centers kicked-off in partnership with the celebration of Lunar New Year, an important cultural event within the district. The first public meeting was held Feb. 28.

Nine additional studies are scheduled over the next three years and may be viewed interactively. The North Houston District/Greenspoint Livable Center represents the first of these studies, and study kickoff is to begin in April. Remaining studies and study kickoff dates include: City of Pasadena, August 2019; Greater East End Management District, November 2019; Montrose TIRZ #27, January 2020; City of Angleton, April 2020; East Aldine Management District, August 2020; City of Seabrook November 2020; Brays Oak Management District, April 2020; and Southwest Houston, August 2021. 
To learn more or become involved in the process, contact the Anita Hollmann, [email protected]
Upcoming Meetings
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

H-GAC Offices
3555 Timmons Lane
2nd Floor, Room B
Houston, TX 77027
Transportation Policy Council (TPC) Meeting

Friday, March 22, 2019
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

H-GAC Offices
3555 Timmons Lane
2nd Floor, Room B
Houston, TX 77027