Draft Update: Connections 2050 for Public Comment

DVRPC is hosting two public meetings on these draft documents. The meetings will also include presentations on the Draft Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 DVRPC TIP for New Jersey and the Draft Transportation Conformity Demonstration (which has an overlapping public comment period). To reach as many people as possible, one meeting will be held in person and one will be hybrid, allowing attendees to attend online or in person. Interpretation can be provided if requested. Please contact the DVRPC Office of Communications and Engagement at 215-592-1800 or public_affairs@dvrpc.org

In-person only meeting:
Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 
Hosted at Mullica Hill Library: https://www.gcls.org/mullica-hill-branch/
Registration via: https://bit.ly/4k7LP8O or by visiting DVRPC’s events calendar at: https://www.dvrpc.org/calendar/.

Dinner will be available for in-person attendees.

Hybrid meeting: 
Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Hosted at DVRPC’s offices: https://www.dvrpc.org/directions/ 
190 N Independence Mall West, Floor 8
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Registration for in-person and online attendees via: https://bit.ly/43vV9wr or by visiting DVRPC’s events calendar at: https://www.dvrpc.org/calendar/.
Dinner will be available for in-person attendees; an online option will also be available to give public comment.

A public comment period to seek your input on Draft Update: Connections 2050 will be open from July 18, 2025, until August 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM local time. Written comments and questions must be submitted in one of the following ways:

By Email: LRP@dvrpc.org

DVRPC must receive comments for the Draft Plan documents by 5:00 PM (local time) on August 20th, 2025. Comments received via mail must be postmarked by August 20th.  Responses will not be provided unless comments are submitted in writing during the public comment period. If you need assistance in providing a written comment, please contact the DVRPC Office of Communications and Engagement at 215-592-1800 or public_affairs@dvrpc.org.

Comments and responses will be presented to stakeholders and the DVRPC Board prior to adopting the Plan. DVRPC staff plans to do this at the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

DVRPC has put together the following tips to help members of the public share meaningful and impactful comments on the Draft Plan documents.

Ask yourself…

• Does the Plan help our region meet current and future needs as our population and economy grow? Are the vision, goals, strategies, and projects pointing us in the right direction?
• Is the Plan supporting key federal priorities like a strong economy, safer and easier travel, better connections between transportation options, a cleaner environment, and more reliable infrastructure?
• Is our planning and public engagement process working well? Does it include a wide range of voices, cover important topics, and continue over time?
• Given limited funding, are we spending money on the right kinds of transportation projects for the region?
• Is the Plan document easy to understand and use? How could DVRPC and partner agencies improve their documents in the future?

Suggestions for useful feedback

Your feedback helps improve plans and decisions. You don’t need to be an expert—just speak from your experience. Here are a few tips to help make your comment as useful and impactful as possible:

• Be clear and to the point. There’s no required length—short or long, a good comment is one that clearly explains your perspective.
• Explain why you care. If something in the Plan affects you or your community, say how. For example, have you noticed changes in traffic, safety, or transit access? Do you have concerns about the environment or development in your area?
• Support your ideas. Use personal experience, local knowledge, or studies (if available) to back up your points. Even simple observations can be powerful.
• Acknowledge trade-offs. If a project has both benefits and drawbacks, recognizing both can make your comment stronger.
• Offer solutions. If you disagree with something in the Plan, try to suggest an alternative. Even saying “I think this project shouldn’t move forward” is helpful—especially if you explain why or suggest another way to meet the same goal.
• Share your background. Let us know if you live in the area, work in a related field, or bring a unique perspective. It helps us understand where you’re coming from.
• Be respectful. Comments are most effective when they’re constructive and focused on the issues—not on individuals or agencies.

Every comment is read and considered. DVRPC works with counties, state transportation departments, transit agencies, and other partners to review and respond to comments as needed. Public comments are not counted like votes. A single thoughtful comment that clearly explains an issue and includes facts or local experience can be more helpful—and have more influence—than hundreds of short comments that don’t include much detail. All comments and responses will be shared publicly at www.dvrpc.org/plan in the public comments database. 

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!