Volume 43, Issue 12
DVRPC’s Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report: Moving Forward
Fiscal Year 2021 proved to be a year of continued change and progress as DVRPC worked to move the region forward by providing technical assistance and funding, and working with our partners to build a better future for all. Now you can browse through DVRPC’s Annual Report, Moving Forward, to see some recent project and program highlights.
DVRPC looks forward to continuing to serve Greater Philadelphia and helping to make our communities more livable, healthier, and safer in the years to come. Read the Annual Report to learn more.
Draft FY 2023 PA Transportation Improvement Program Public Comment Period is Open
The public comment period for the Draft DVRPC FY2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Pennsylvania (FY23-26) is now open. The TIP outlines the region’s federally funded transportation improvement priorities and is required for the region to receive and spend federal transportation dollars. The Draft DVRPC FY2023 TIP contains 391 projects, totaling over $7.5 billion for the phases to be advanced during the next four years.
People have the opportunity to provide comments until June 28th by visiting the TIP webpage. A virtual public meeting will be held on June 16 at 7 pm.
DVRPC Board Approves Over $3.5 Million for Innovative TDM Projects
The DVRPC Board has approved over $3.5 million to fund 15 innovative transportation projects through the Travel Options Program (TOP). The program funds projects that will provide better access to more travel options across the Greater Philadelphia region, such as walking, biking, and taking transit. The goal is to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on the region’s roadways–a practice otherwise known as Transportation Demand Management (TDM).
Selected projects include a bike and pedestrian lane pop-up project in Bucks County, sidewalk repair and bike rack planning in Philadelphia, a multimedia public art project with Mural Arts celebrating the experience of riding SEPTA buses via select routes in Philadelphia, and a marketing campaign for New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law that went into effect on March 1, 2022. View the full list of selected projects on the TOP webpage.
DVRPC Board Approves Over $4 Million for Safe Routes to School Projects
The DVRPC Board has approved $4.013 million toward seven projects in southern New Jersey through the Safe Routes to School Program. The program supports projects that enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to school; make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and facilitate the development and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of New Jersey's primary and middle schools (Grades K-8).
This year’s projects include improvements at the intersection of Victory Drive and Peach Road in Bellmawr, Camden County; new sidewalks along multiple school routes in Haddon Heights, Camden County; and new sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, crosswalk striping, and pedestrian signage around Lawrenceville Elementary School in Lawrenceville Township, Mercer County. View the full list of approved projects on the Safe Routes to School Program webpage.
Vision Zero: Cecil B. Moore Information Pop-Up on June 14
Do you walk, bike, or drive on Cecil B. Moore from Willington St. to 10th St.? On Tuesday, June 14, DVRPC will host an informational pop-up on the corner of Cecil B. Moore Ave. and Sydenham St. in Philadelphia. Stop by anytime from 4:00 - 7:00 pm to see traffic safety recommendations for the corridor.
Learn more about the Vision Zero: Cecil B. Moore project.
Transportation Safety Analysis and Plan Shows 21% Increase in Crash Fatalities
The sixth edition of the Transportation Safety Analysis and Plan (TSAP) is now available. The TSAP is the guiding document of the Regional Safety Task Force and transportation safety plan for the nine-county Greater Philadelphia region. It analyzes the most recently available crash data for the region in order to inform planners and roadway owners about the greatest contributing factors in severe traffic crashes. Additionally, the TSAP uses the FHWA Safe System approach to present recommended strategies to address the factors that contribute most to severe crashes in the region.
In 2020, someone was killed or seriously injured in a crash on average every 4.5 hours in the Greater Philadelphia region. The COVID-19 pandemic fueled a spike in traffic fatalities across the U.S. and in the DVRPC region where crash fatalities increased 21% over 2019, the greatest increase since 2007.
In the TSAP, crash data has been measured according to the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) safety emphasis areas—a data-driven approach that considers infrastructure and behavioral crash factors. The TSAP presents data at the regional and county levels, helping partners analyze what crash problems are overrepresented and where, as well as the best strategies to address those trends and get to zero deaths on our roadways. Achieving a more livable region means making our roads safer for all users.
U.S. Department of Commerce Designates DVRPC an Economic Development District
Earlier this spring, DVRPC secured Economic Development District (EDD) designation from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This designation means DVRPC now serves as the liaison between the EDA and our member counties and constituent communities, working to promote regional cooperation and job growth.
The EDD’s primary purpose is to implement the economic development activities and priorities set forth in the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This includes coordinating and implementing development activities with the District; carrying out economic development research, planning, implementation, and advisory functions on topics outlined in the CEDS; coordinating the development and implementation of the CEDS with local, state, federal, and private organizations; and facilitating the CEDS committee on the development of the plan and identifying regional project priorities for EDA grant funding.
DVRPC will begin the five-year update of the CEDS next fiscal year. To assist in this effort, DVRPC will recall the CEDS committee and work with them to identify regional economic development projects and prioritize funding applications.
For more information, contact Karen Cilurso, Associate Director of Livable Communities, at kpcilurso@dvrpc.org.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): A Forum for Municipalities
On May 24, 2022, DVRPC hosted a webinar for municipalities on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). DVRPC staff presented a summary of the IIJA and resources that are available to local governments, including one-on-one meetings with DVRPC subject matter experts.
You can now view a recording of the webinar, access the slide presentation, view FAQs, and request a consultation with DVRPC. You can also access more information on our IIJA webpage and sign up for occasional NOFO updates.
Now Available: Connections 2050: Plan for Greater Philadelphia Story Map
Last fall, the DVRPC Board adopted Greater Philadelphia’s most recent Long-Range Plan, Connections 2050: Plan for Greater Philadelphia. At its heart is a broadly shared vision of an equitable, resilient, and sustainable region that preserves and restores the natural environment; develops inclusive, healthy, and walkable communities; maintains a safe, multimodal transportation network that serves everyone; and grows an innovative and connected economy with broadly shared prosperity.
The Plan provides a framework for a better future, with strategic investments to support growth and prepare us for whatever challenges lie ahead. Now you can browse Connections 2050 Explorer, a new interactive story map that highlights key components of the Plan and outlines trends, strategies, investments, and more—including what actions you can take to help shape our region’s future.
Staff Profile: Stephanie Cavacini, Associate Manager, Office of Creative and Print Services
What did you want to be growing up? I don’t think I really knew until I was about 13 years old. At that time, when everyone had dial-up internet and websites were full of neon colors, 3D text, and animated backgrounds, I became really interested in creating websites for my favorite ‘90s boybands. I was always trying to improve, so I started creating custom (i.e., really bad) graphics and teaching myself basic HTML to further customize my site. I had to get creative since we didn’t have any professional design software on our home computer. So from that point on, I knew I wanted to go into some sort of graphics/digital media field.
What was your first job? I had a few random jobs during high school. My guidance counselor knew I had an interest in graphic design and she recommended me for a temporary position working in an office setting assisting with basic design/template tasks (using Microsoft Publisher, I think?). I also played tennis during high school, so another job I held was assisting at a tennis summer day camp.
What did you study in college? Graphic Design
How did you end up at DVRPC? I attended Drexel University because I was drawn to the co-op program. Getting six months of real-world, full-time work experience built into the curriculum seemed invaluable. I wasn’t really sure what type of company I wanted to work for so I interviewed with a wide variety including healthcare organizations, ad agencies, and law firms, and I ended up finding DVRPC. I remember being impressed with how varied the design work was, and it seemed like it would be a great opportunity to use my creative skills. I was very excited to accept the internship and have been here ever since.
What are your responsibilities / What has changed over time? I work on a variety of design projects, from project and event branding/materials to Air Quality Partnership ads to interactive web stories, such as our Annual Report. Over time, I’ve taken on more of a leadership role in providing guidance to the creative team and have become more focused on the technical side of things such as creating templates and providing staff support with usage and troubleshooting, designing HTML emails including building this monthly newsletter for the past decade or so, and researching ways the creative team can evolve our skillset through new technology and training.
What is your favorite part of working at DVRPC? The opportunity to be creative and being involved in meaningful work that positively impacts the region.
What 3 words best describe you? Detail-oriented, curious, and creative.
What is your favorite leisure activity? I’ve recently gotten a little bit more into gardening. During the pandemic, we had our small, city patio redone and added some containers for plants and flowers. I also gained some houseplants over the past two years, but unfortunately, it’s a struggle to find the right balance between underwatering and overwatering, so I tend to go through them pretty quickly.
What is the last book you read? The last book I read that I really enjoyed was The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
What are your Top 3 places you want to travel to? Greece, Tahiti/Bora Bora, and Australia
Are you a cat or dog person? I love both, but I’d have to say I’m more of a cat person. I always had one growing up and now my husband and I have two: Pepper & Penny.
What is a recent gift you’ve given or received? I recently received Mother’s Day flowers from my husband. We’re expecting our first child this Fall, so this was such a thoughtful and meaningful gift.