Volume 45, Issue 4
DVRPC Awarded Clean Energy to Communities In-Depth Partnership Energyshed Grant
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced DVRPC was one of six community teams awarded the Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) partnerships program to help develop tailored decarbonization strategies and clean energy solutions. Over a three year period, DVRPC will work closely with experts from DOE’s national laboratories and receive technical assistance to research, model, and deploy clean energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, equitable, and reflective of local priorities.
“This in-depth partnership with DOE is an incredible opportunity to develop and implement a coordinated regional approach to the clean energy transition that is centered on equity,” said Ariella Maron, DVRPC executive director. “This partnership will highlight the opportunity of working regionally to scale climate solutions so that we can move the needle on decarbonizing while reducing energy burden and supporting family-sustaining jobs.”
DVRPC submitted this application in partnership with Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties; Green Building United; Energy Coordinating Agency; Smart Energy Initiative of Southeastern Pennsylvania; PECO; Bucks County Opportunity Council; Community Action Agency of Delaware County; and Community Action Development Commission of Montgomery County.
With this support, DVRPC and its partners aim to identify the most impactful clean energy solutions for southeast PA and create a Regional Clean Energy Activation Hub that will help facilitate and streamline implementation for identified solutions across its 200+ municipalities in this portion of our region. Additionally, technical assistance and funding from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will enable the HUB to take on the needed community and stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, research, and technical modeling to ensure the programs developed are rooted in community needs. Collaboration with workforce development partners will help strengthen, prepare, and connect the regional clean energy workforce to clean energy programs, creating local jobs, and community benefits.
DVRPC Board Adopts FY2024 TIP for New Jersey
The DVRPC Board voted to adopt the FY2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for New Jersey at its September meeting. The FY2024 TIP covers the four years of FY24-FY27, and represents the region’s federally funded transportation improvement priorities. The TIP includes over 150 transit and highway projects and represents over $2.327 billion of transportation infrastructure investment in the counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer.
Programmed funds include over $1.470 billion for multimodal projects including roadway, bridge, pavement, safety, bicycle, pedestrian, trail, and freight improvements funded with federal highway dollars and over $856 million for the NJ TRANSIT (about $743 million) and DRPA/PATCO (about $113 million) transit systems.
A public comment period was held from July 17 to August 18, 2023. Documents were posted online and in public libraries and distributed to tribal nations. DVRPC held two public meetings, one in person and one on-line. DVRPC received 295 written comments by 275 individuals on behalf of advocacy groups and the general public.
The final TIP document will be posted online and on the web viewer later this fall, following approval from the federal transportation agencies. In addition to the FY2024 TIP, the Board adopted the Transportation Conformity Determination, Major Amendment to the FY2023 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania, and the Amendment 2 to Connections 2050 Plan.
Share Your Vision for Greater Philadelphia
DVRPC is updating Connections 2050, the current Long-Range Plan for the Greater Philadelphia region. The Plan contains a broadly-shared vision for the year 2050 and a set of supporting goals focused across four planning areas: environment, communities, economy, and multimodal transportation. What priorities do you have for the region? What does an equitable, resilient, and sustainable Greater Philadelphia look like to you? Share your vision and priorities by taking the survey: www.dvrpc.org/update2050. Those who complete a survey may enter to win a $50 gift card.
Join Us for “Air Quality, Climate Change, and Health” on 10/5
DVRPC is hosting a joint meeting of the Climate Change Forum and the Healthy Communities Task Force on “Air Quality, Climate Change, and Health” on Thursday, October 5, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in DVRPC’s offices (190 N. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia). As the climate crisis continues to worsen, mitigating and preventing health issues brought on by poor outdoor air quality is very important. The aim of this meeting is to learn from the challenges and successes of local leaders and researchers actively working on these issues and to discuss strategies for communities to better prepare for the future. Speakers include Dr. Sheila Tripathy, a Senior Research Scientist at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health, and Dr. Joshua Stratton, an Assistant Professor at Rider University, who will present some of their recent community air monitoring work, including projects in South and Southwest Philadelphia and Trenton, NJ. They will be joined by Russell Zerbo, an advocate with the Clean Air Council, and Melissa Miles, Executive Director of the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance. Lunch will be served following the meeting. Register to attend.
Join Us for the Regional Safety Task Force Meeting on 10/12
On Thursday, October 12, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, the Regional Safety Task Force is hosting an online meeting titled “Try It Before Your Buy It: Planning for Quick-Build Projects.” The meeting will be devoted to exploring how to plan for quick-build projects, such as bike lanes and painted crosswalks, for temporary or demonstration purposes. Guest speakers Jasmine Grossman, from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, and Cassidy Boulan, AICP, from DVRPC, will discuss lessons learned from projects they have worked on. After the presentations and Q&A, attendees will join breakout groups to discuss the presentations and how to apply lessons learned to potential or existing quick-build projects. Register to attend.
Economic Development District Update
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the Recompete Pilot Program Phase 1, which makes $200 million available to create and connect people to good jobs in persistently distressed communities. DVRPC has provided a letter of support to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), who will be applying for funds to build a consortium of service providers and build dynamic economic opportunities in the offshore wind sector. If awarded, this grant will provide NJEDA funds to offer reliable transportation solutions to employment centers, social support services, and new and expanded training programs, in addition to the creation of business incentives. Awarded applicants will be notified in early 2024.
DVRPC staff also continue to work on the update of the FY 24 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Visit www.dvrpc.org/economic for more information on the process and timeline.
Safe Routes to School Applications Due November 17
The New Jersey Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is accepting applications through November 17, 2023, for the next round of funding. The SRTS program funds projects that make walking and biking to school safer and more appealing. Projects must be located within two miles of a school that serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12. This round of SRTS program funding is available for the construction of infrastructure projects, including the installation of sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, multi-use paths, traffic calming measures, and other means to ensure the ease and safety of children walking or biking to school.
The SRTS program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration's Federal Aid Program. New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) administers the program in partnership with DVRPC, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO). Visit NJDOT’s Local Aid Resource Center website for more information and to schedule a mandatory pre-application meeting. If you have any questions, please contact John Coscia, Jr. at jcosciajr@dvrpc.org or Dan Snyder at dsnyder@dvrpc.org.
Planning Fellowship Applications Due October 27
The DVRPC Planning Fellowship is an opportunity for people of color to explore the field of city and regional planning, without prior training or experience, by spending a year working with various departments across the Commission. The selected fellow will participate in the daily activities of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), complete specialized projects, and experience firsthand how transportation and climate action plans and investments are made in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The Fellowship is a paid, year-long, full-time, professional development program that begins January 2024 through December 2024. The selected Fellow will develop a broad range of skills and receive mentorship and guidance from DVRPC staff and leadership to aid in their career development. Past Fellows have gone on to successfully further their education and careers in planning or related fields–including two current DVRPC staff.
Amani Bey (they/them) and Kendra Nelson (she/her) are two past Fellows who now work as full-time planners at DVRPC. Bey is a Planner in the Office of Long-Range Planning, and Nelson works as a Transportation Planner in the Office of Mobility Analysis and Design. We asked them about their experiences with the Fellowship and advice for future applicants. Bey emphasized, “This is a great opportunity to observe and participate in regional planning across local and state jurisdictions. You will be able to meet so many different kinds of stakeholders.” Read more of their answers below.
What made you decide to apply to the Fellowship?
Kendra Nelson: I applied for the Fellowship after completing a four-year degree in urban planning and design. Much like a lot of undergraduate students, I wanted to get more experience in different areas of the planning field before choosing a career path or continuing my education.
Amani Bey: I decided to apply to the Fellowship after interning because I thought it was a great opportunity to become more well-rounded in planning work. I knew I'd be exposed to new software, planning methodologies, and transportation planning areas, like freight and air quality.
Pick a favorite project that you worked on during your Fellowship.
Nelson: I really enjoyed working on DVRPC's temporary pop-up program, Expo, in Collingswood, NJ. For several weeks, we worked closely with the municipality to develop a design that would improve walking and biking on Atlantic Avenue. It was exciting to see a design become a reality in such a short period of time.
What did you learn from the Fellowship?
Nelson: As a fellow, you have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a full-time employee, which includes managing tasks and contributing to team discussions. This was a big shift since much of my prior experience was from part-time internships. Once you get into the groove, it really prepares you for a full-time position later on.
How has your experience as a Fellow impacted your work at DVRPC?
Nelson: During the Fellowship, I worked with teams across the commission specializing in different sectors of planning. My experience really enforced the idea that all planning is interrelated. Because of that experience, I strive to consider a wide range of users and stakeholders in our projects.
Bey: DVRPC is one of the largest organizations I've ever worked for. Having the experience of working in different offices exposed me to the different project management styles and strategies that further our Vision for 2050.
Any advice to share with future fellows?
Nelson: Take time to chat with different folks throughout the commission!
Bey: Be willing to try new things. Look at our Unified Planning Work Program. There are plenty of different types of projects and initiatives to be a part of.
Applications for the Fellowship are now being accepted and are due October 27. Review the full program description for more details on the Fellowship and how to apply.
Upcoming LTAP Classes in PA and NJ
The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) provides technical information and expertise to help municipal governments use transportation funds more effectively, improve road maintenance, and increase roadway safety. Classes are offered through Pennsylvania and New Jersey LTAP programs and open to any municipality.
Upcoming classes:
Temporary Traffic Control
Montgomery County
October 10, 2023 (8:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Project Oversight
Chester County
October 25, 2023 (8:00 am - 12:00 pm)
25th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase
In-person (Mercer County) and virtual
October 25, 2023 (8:30 am - 2:45 pm)
Visit Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation to see the 2023 schedule of LTAP courses in New Jersey and PennDOT's LTAP website to view courses in Pennsylvania. For any questions, contact Najah Jackson at njackson@dvrpc.org or 215-238-2836.