Posted on January, 28 2016
Business and Community Leaders Encourage Participation in DART’s Long-Range Plan Updates
(Des Moines, Iowa – January 28, 2016) - The region’s master plan for public transit, DART Forward 2035, is ready for its first update, and everyone from the Greater Des Moines area is invited to help. Adopted in 2011, the long-range plan is being updated at this five-year mark to ensure it meets the needs of the community’s growing and changing population. A DART Forward 2035 Advisory Committee*, made up of representatives from businesses, human service agencies, chambers, and other organizations across the community, will help ensure the industries and people they represent are heard throughout the process, and the plan developed meets the needs of the region.
“As a growing region that seeks to continue to be a top place for people to work, live and play, we know having access to multiple modes of transportation is essential,” said Eric Crowell, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health, co-chair of the Transit Future Work Group and member of the DART Forward 2035 Advisory Committee. “The DART Forward 2035 update is a chance for the people and businesses of our community to influence the future of public transit in the region, and I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to participate in surveys and public meetings.”
DART provides nearly five million rides a year, including 3,500 students a day on weekdays, and is seen as an essential service for employers, schools and economic development.
“As the United Way continues its work to reduce poverty in Central Iowa, we know transportation is key to connecting people with jobs, education and daily-life activities,” said Elisabeth Buck, Chief Community Impact Officer for United Way of Central Iowa and member of the DART Forward 2035 Advisory Committee. “Great work went into creating the DART Forward 2035 Plan five years ago, and now is the time to help ensure services are expanded or added where they are needed most.”
Community members have several ways to give input.
- Complete a survey at ridedart.com/dartforward.
- If contacted, participate in a random sampling of citizens who will be asked to be part of a statistically significant survey being completed by the ETC Institute.
- Schedule a DART Forward 2035 plan presentation for your organization or business to learn more about the update and how to give feedback. A presentation request form is available at ridedart.com/dartforward.
- Attend one of the public meetings taking place the week of Feb. 29. Details are on the website linked above.
- Provide direct feedback by calling 515-283-8100, emailing dartforward2035@ridedart.com or mailing DART Forward 2035 Update, 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
*DART Forward Project Advisory Committee Members:
Elisabeth Buck – United Way
Eric Burmeister – Polk County Housing Trust Fund
Jake Christensen – Christensen Development
Shannon Cofield – Drake University
Eric Crowell – Unity Point Health
Angie Dethlefs-Trettin – The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Jason Gross – Nationwide
Amber Lynch – City of Des Moines
Michele Meadors – State Independent Living Council
Matt Nuetzman – Representing Local Chambers of Commerce
Mark Phillips – Polk County Continuum of Care Board
Tim Schott – Des Moines Public Schools
Cory Sharp – Young Professionals Connection
Connie Eastman – AARP
Gretchen Tegeler – Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa
Bethany Wilcoxon – The Greater Des Moines Partnership
Nick Wuertz – Lutheran Services in Iowa